Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2010. [Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng]

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday said China will continue to support the work of the United Nations and its chief, and make unswerving efforts to promote the building of a peaceful and harmonious world.

Hu made the pledge in his meeting with visiting United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is in China to attend the closing ceremony of the Shanghai World Expo.

Extending a warm welcome to Ban, Hu said China appreciates Ban's efforts in promoting world peace and development as the UN chief.

"China has always advocated, supported and practiced multilateralism, firmly safeguarded the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and safeguarded the authority and role of the United Nations," he said.

Hu put forward proposals for the United Nations to better fulfill its mission -- taking into account the complicated global situation. He said the UN needs to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, actively practice multilateralism, and push forward democratization of international relations.

The Chinese president also suggested the UN speed up measures to implement the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and strengthen its roles in international affairs.

China will, as always, support the work of the UN and its chief and make unremitting efforts to promote the building of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity, He said.

Ban said the United Nations has played an increasingly important role in global affairs, and he expected closer cooperation between the UN and China and the country's positive participation in international affairs.

He said China has played a leading role in such affairs as realizing the MDG, protecting the rights of women and children, promoting sustainable development and peacekeeping. China has made a great contribution to countering the global financial crisis.