Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations in New York on September 24, 2019. (File Photo: Xinhua)

New York (People's Daily) – During a working luncheon at United Nations headquarters in New York City with members of the Security Council’s Permanent Five, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the main responsibilities facing the Council.

French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres were in attendance during the luncheon.

Opinions were exchanged through discussions on regional hotspot issues and deepening cooperation among the Security Council’s Permanent Five members.

“The UN Charter endowed the Permanent Five with special status, as people all over the world hold special expectations toward the group,” Wang said.

Wang also iterated how the Permanent Five should be aware of their responsibilities and devoted to world peace and security through shared efforts while protecting national interests and promote the common interests of the international community.

Under today’s international framework, the Permanent Five should take the lead in observing the international rule of law in sustaining world peace and stability. The group should play a leading role in supporting multilateralism and meeting world challenges with effectiveness, Wang urged.

The Permanent Five should expand development aid and help facilitate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They should also set an example in strengthening solidarity and cooperation and build consensus on international cooperation.

Wang stressed that they should take the initiative in upholding the role of the UN and fulfilling Charter principles.

“A country’s responsibilities grow as its competency increases,” Wang said, and added China is willing to engage in communication and cooperation with other permanent members and the Secretary General, assume responsibilities in resolving hotspot issues and making contributions by promoting world peace and prosperity.