Cooperation between China, UN scores new achievements: Chinese envoy

（Xinhua）  13:17, July 23, 2013  

UNITED NATIONS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The cooperation between China and the United Nations has scored new achievements over the past three years, a senior Chinese diplomat said Monday.

"China had earnestly fulfilled its sacred mission as a permanent member of the Security Council, actively participated in the discussions on such regional hotspots as Africa, the Middle East, DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear issue, Iran and Afghanistan, and played a constructive role in peaceful settlements of disputes," Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the world body, said at a farewell reception.

More than 1,600 Chinese peacekeepers are serving nine UN peacekeeping missions and making their contributions to world peace and security with their sweat and even precious lives, the ambassador said.

"Greater multilateralism and a bigger role of the UN is not only an inevitable choice for all countries, but also the only way to more effectively meet our common challenges," the outgoing envoy added.

The farewell reception, held by Li at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, was attended by senior UN officials, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Commending China's important role in UN affairs, Ban said the United Nations is to unite all countries to realize its vision -- peace, security, development and human rights.

"China's contribution is essential," the UN chief said.