Chinese FM holds talks with UN general assembly president

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Wednesday held talks with John William Ashe, president-elect of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, pledging that China will support his work to further strengthen the assembly. The General Assembly provides an important forum for developing countries, especially small and medium-size countries, to participate in international affairs, said Wang during his talks with Ashe. China supports the General Assembly president to strengthen and improve the assembly, and advocates that the United Nations should make the common development of developing countries (the majority of the UN members) its main task, Wang said. Ashe said the United Nations attaches great importance to the role China has played in international affairs. He said he will maintain close contact and cooperation with China on the work of the General Assembly, hoping for the nation's continued support. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional affairs of common concern. Ashe, elected president of the General Assembly on June 14, will assume office at the start of the 68th session in September. He arrived on Tuesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese foreign minister