(Photo: CGTN)

The world needs multilateralism more than ever and needs a stronger UN, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with the Secretary General of the UN Antonio Guterres at the Great Hall of the People on Sunday. 

Guterres is in China as a special guest to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

The UN is a symbol of multilateralism, Xi said, noting that China has always firmly supported multilateralism and the authority of the UN. 

The Chinese president encouraged all countries to follow the principle of multilateralism, confronting unilateralism and protectionism. 

He reiterated China's determination to comprehensively deepen reforms and jointly adhere to the rule of free trade and an open world economy. 

Xi also stressed that China cooperates with Africa without any political conditions attached. 

Guterres said the FOCAC has become a model for South-South cooperation. 

The UN will work with China to promote multilateralism, he said, encouraging other countries to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).