Chinese state councilor meets UNGA president-elect, calling for upholding multilateralism

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with the president-elect of the 73rd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 6, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Monday held talks with the president-elect of the 73rd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, calling for strengthening the consensus of multilateralism and safeguarding the authority and role of the UN.

The global community should safeguard the international system based on the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and push for an economic globalization that is more open and inclusive, more balanced, more equitable and beneficial to all, Wang said.

He also called for opposing unilateralism and trade protectionism, defending international rules and the rule of law, and safeguarding the common interests of people around the world.

Espinosa Garces expressed gratitude for China's constructive role in supporting multilateralism and the role of the UN.

Hailing the Belt and Road Initiative as "making a positive contribution to promoting global development," she told Wang that she will continue to support this initiative and expect to strengthen cooperation with China.