On September 22, local time, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the UN headquarters in New York.

Wen said it is of vital and strategic significance to hold the UN high-level meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). With new challenges brought by the international financial crisis, the realization of the MDGs is crucial to helping the majority of developing countries stay confident about their own development and is also the key to resolving development issues. Wen reaffirmed China's determination to participate in international development cooperation and achieve the MDGs as scheduled. China will continue to push the international community under the guidance of the UN to reach consensus and boost cooperation, to ensure the attainment of the MDGs as scheduled.

Wen said China has maintained quality coordination and effective cooperation with the UN to combat a series of global challenges such as climate change, as well as some international and regional hotspot issues. China pledged to play a more active role in UN affairs in various sectors and to strengthen its partnership with the UN, said Wen. China would help to promote the UN's leading role in international affairs and continue to support the UN chief, he added.

Ban spoke highly of China's efforts to slash poverty and promote sustainable development, as well as its growing global leadership. He said China has long been committed to promoting Africa's development, made important contributions to the fulfillment of the MDGs, actively advanced regional dialogue and cooperation and played a positive role in addressing climate change, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and other issues. Ban highly praised these contributions made by China and thanked for China's important role in various UN operations. The UN chief also congratulated on the successful World Expo in Shanghai, adding he was looking forward to attending the event.