Xi Jinping and UNESCO director-general meet in Beijing

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China is willing to contribute to promoting human development and more dialogues among world civilizations, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Audrey Azoulay, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in Beijing.

Azoulay is visiting China for the first time as director-general of UNESCO from July 16 to 19.

During the meeting, Xi hailed the relationship between China and UNESCO in maintaining world peace and the role UNESCO has played as the world’s largest intellectual cooperation organization in building a shared community of mankind.

November 10, 2017: Audrey Azoulay is confirmed as the new director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. /VCG Photo

Xi said China is willing to support and work with the UN body to benefit the people of all countries, especially to help with the development of education, science, technology and culture in developing nations.

The Chinese president pointed out that today’s China, on the one hand, insists on using the country’s cultural confidence to develop its education, technology, and culture.

On the other hand, China upholds the traditional concept of "universal harmony" and peaceful coexistence, Xi said, adding that China advocates mutual respect and mutual exchange of cultures among all countries.

Xi also noted that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China has not only advanced common development but also promoted communication among different peoples.

Azoulay praised China’s unwavering support for UNESCO and China’s commitment to multilateralism, saying UNESCO would actively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative to contribute to world peace, safety and cooperation.