Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing conveyed a letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday when he met with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the sidelines of the ongoing 58th session of the UN General Assembly.

In his letter, President Hu said that today's world calls for a strong UN. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will, as always, continue to stand for a major role of the United Nations in international affairs and support the authority of the world body.

Under the new circumstances, Hu said, the United Nations should seek new thinking and new approach to resolving the issues of peace and development so that the 21st century will turn into one that entitles everyone to development.

Only when various nations choose to work in close cooperation and embark on the road of multilateralism can the international community face up to the mounting global challenges, he said.

On his part, Annan expressed his appreciation for China's consistent support to the United Nations and its constructive role in helping solve global issues, especially in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals set by the world body.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2003)