Ban Ki-moon praises China´s contribution to world

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Source: Xinhua | 07-02-2008 08:41

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, is also in China. Ban visited the earthquake zone in Sichuan province in late May, and now he's on his first official visit to China since becoming UN chief 18 months ago. Ban's first stop was the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, where he delivered a speech.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon answers student's  questions at the China Foreign Affairs University in  Beijing, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, Pool)

In his first public address in China as UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon was warmly welcomed by lecturers, students and journalists at China Foreign Affairs University.

Ban Ki-moon recalled his trip to the epicenter of the Sichuan earthquake, and said he was very touched by Chinese people's strong will to overcome the disaster.

Ban Ki-moon said "I'm quite sure that within 3 years you will make that place much more beautiful. And you have my full support as secretary-general of the United Nations."

Ban Ki-moon also praised China's global contributions.

The UN chief said China has an important role to play as a global power. He hopes China will work more closely with the UN on global issues.

And his speech struck a chord with his audience.

One Chinese university student said "I do believe China will play a important role in world affairs, especially in security affairs."

Another Chinese university student said "I think China should cooperate with others to make the world better."

Ban Ki-moon has said on many occasions that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has made important contributions in world affairs. And as the most populous country and fastest-growing economy, China should take more and more global responsibility.