2015年CRI UN Chief Lauds China's Role in WWII（在线收听）

As one of the guests to attend the V-Day celebrations, Ban spoke highly of China's contributions and sacrifices made during the war.

The UN chief says this year provides an important opportunity for the international community to review that part of history and look forward to build a better world.

"China's contributions and sacrifices during the Second World War are very much recognized and appreciated for all such sufferings and sympathized by the world's people. And on the brighter future, China has a very important role to play. As the second largest economy and a peace-loving country, there are a lot that China can contribute to this rapidly changing and transformative age."

China's foreign ministry has announced that thirty heads of state are confirmed to attend the V-Day celebrations, as well as ten leaders of international organizations, including UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

During his visit to China, Ban is also set to meet with Chinese leaders, discussing a wide range of issues, including the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN, climate change and the upcoming key UN sustainable development summit this September.

Ban Ki-moon says China has contributed a lot to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals that were set by world leaders in 2000.

The eight-point development agenda which covered several key issues like eradicating poverty and fighting against HIV/AIDS is set to expire later this year. The international community will adopt a more ambitious post-2015 sustainable development agenda at the UN development summit next month.

The UN chief is calling on member states to include these goals into their own development strategies.

"I am convinced that China can play a hugely important role in helping this sustainable development goals implemented."

On the planned speech to be made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at this year's general debate later next month, Ban Ki-moon says he hopes the Chinese president can make stronger message on international security issues, peacekeeping operations and South-South cooperation.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN. Looking back at the seven decades, Ban summarizes the achievement of the world body as the end of colonialization and the success in development issues.

For CRI, I'm Su Yi in New York.