UNITED NATIONS — The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an important contribution to multilateralism and international cooperation, a Chinese envoy said on April 24.

The BRI enriches the practice of multilateralism in the new situation, Wu Haitao, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, which falls on April 24.

He made the remarks on the eve of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation slated for April 25-27 in Beijing. “We believe that at this forum, all parties will speak with one voice to support multilateralism and the building of an open world economy,” he said.

China has always defended the international order and practiced multilateralism, said Wu.

The United Nations represents the banner of multilateralism, he said, adding China looks forward to the leadership of the world body in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and deepening international cooperation.

“China resolutely defends the authority and status of the United Nations and supports it in playing an active role in international affairs,” Wu said.