China will continue to uphold multilateralism and safeguard the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang vowed on Friday.

Li made his remarks during a virtual meeting with Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and foreign minister of the Maldives.

At the invitation of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Shahid is paying an official visit to China.

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China urges UN to maintain justice, practice multilateralism

Premier Li congratulated Shahid on his assumption of the presidency of the 76th session of the UNGA.

Noting the UN is the most representative, universal and authoritative international intergovernmental organization, the Chinese premier called the UN a banner of multilateralism.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the UN. Li recalled President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to resolutely uphold the authority and standing of the UN.

Premier Li reiterated that China will uphold the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China will work with international community to maintain world peace and promote development and prosperity, he added.

Shahid appreciated that China always adheres to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and upholds multilateralism.

He expressed support for China's Global Development Initiatives, and hoped to strengthen cooperation with China to promote world economic recovery and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).