The defense of multilateralism has been a recurring theme in New York among global diplomats. Both the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Germany also talked about the need to protect the principle of international cooperation. Our UN correspondent Liling Tan has the details.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered his speech to the United Nations General Assembly that was heavy on criticism, directed first at Western states in general.

SERGEY LAVROV RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "We see the desire of several Western states to retain their self-proclaimed status as world leaders and to slow down the objective process of establishing multi polarity. To that end, these powers do not hesitate to use any method including political blackmail, economic pressure, and brute force."

Lamenting the shrinking space for international cooperation, Lavrov took a few swipes at one particular country, the US.

The Trump Administration, unilateral pull-out from the Iran nuclear deal meant a resumption of sanctions on Iran, and was met with anger and objections from Tehran and the other signatories to the agreement. And Washington's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move its embassy there was objected by a majority of UN member nations. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, also spoke out against unilateralism.

HEIKO MAAS GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER "Action based solely on nationalism with the objecting of putting my country first, reaches its limits here."

One of the key questions, though, is how far a country like the US – with its deep pockets and immense clout – can test those limits. Liling Tan, CGTN, United Nations.