China's president farewells United Nations head

The world is facing many new problems that require stronger global governance and more work from the United Nations, President Xi Jinping told outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a phone conversation on Monday.

Xi praised Ban's contribution to deepening China's cooperation with the United Nations during his 10 years at the head of the organisation.

Ban has made positive efforts to promote world peace, development and prosperity, he said.

Xi said Secretary-General Ban had faithfully fulfilled the duties conferred by the UN Charter and scored remarkable achievements.

The Chinese president stressed that China's cooperation with the UN has reached a new level, thanks to the efforts of both parties.

He added that China would continue to firmly support the UN and maintain close cooperation with incoming secretary-general Antonio Guterres to advance China's ties with the UN.

Ban, whose second five-year term comes to an end this year, said he appreciated China's significant support while he served as the UN chief.

Ban said that China had played a leading role in promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, boosting South-South cooperation and tackling global climate change.

Ban said he believed that China would continue to maintain close cooperation with the next UN chief and support international peace and sustainable development as always.