China to chair meeting to mark 70th anniversary of founding of the United Nations
Wang Yi to chair meeting at the UN Security Council for 70th anniversary
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is to preside over an open meeting to be held on February 23 at the UN Security Council to mark the 70th anniversary of the global organisation's founding and victory against fascism in the second world war, Beijing's ambassador to the United Nations said on Tuesday.
"It is high time, under such circumstances, to reinforce multilateralism and also to reaffirm our commitment to peace and security and to working together to make this world a better place," ambassador Liu Jieyi, said at a press conference.
As the rotating president for the month, Liu described the open debate scheduled under his presidency in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary the international body marks in September. "It is time for stocktaking," he said.
He stressed the importance of the UN Charter, including respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in states' affairs.
"History has repeatedly proven that these principles, if upheld and promoted, will be a blessing for mankind," said a statement.
Meanwhile, Liu said that no discussions on the human rights situation in North Korea was scheduled. The topic had been added to the Security Council agenda after a vote in December. China voted against it.