United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addresses the media ahead of the UN General Debate at UN headquarters in New York, September 16, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he "most warmly" welcomes President Xi Jinping to a UN summit on sustainable development and to the annual General Assembly high-level debate later this month.

Ban lauded China's great contributions to the world efforts to carry out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), voicing his hope to see the country's "hugely important role" in implementing the post-2015 development agenda, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The secretary-general, in a recent group interview with the UN-based Chinese media, said that, "I most warmly welcome President Xi Jinping. He is coming for the first time in his capacity as president of the People's Republic of China."

"I'm glad that President Xi Jinping is coming to participate in the special summit meeting on Sustainable Development Agenda and also the General Debate marking the 70th anniversary of the United Nations," Ban said.

"All world leaders and people will look for him," Ban said. "This will be a very important occasion where President Xi Jinping will gather together with world leaders to discuss the new development agenda to end global poverty, protect the planet and build a future of dignity for all. This year is truly a momentous year for the world, a chance to change the course of history from peacekeeping to sustainable development agenda, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."

"I sincerely hope that he will send out a very strong message, a message of hope to the people of the world."

He expected China's continuing engagement in promoting the political stability, safety, and security around the world, including participation in peacekeeping operations.

"We also hope that China will always work with the member states as you have a very important role as one of the permanent members of the Security Council for maintaining peace and stability of the world."