Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday proposed that the United Nations play a stronger role in dealing with challenges to world peace and development.

In a meeting with Sheika Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, president of the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wen said traditional and non-traditional security issues pose challenges to world peace and development.

The United Nations finds itself at the heart of multilateral system and its role can not be replaced or diminished, the premier said.

Wen expected the United Nations to increase input in development issues and seek a balanced and coordinated development of globalization.

Sheika Haya said China has made a positive contribution to the United Nations and played an important role in addressing new threats and challenges as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the biggest developing country.

Sheika Haya, who arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a six-day official visit, attended the tenth meeting of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions held in Beijing.

She will be replaced by former Macedonia Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim, who was elected in May as president of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly which will convene in September.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2007)