Chinese President Xi Jinping and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had a video conference on September 23.

Xi urged the international community to reaffirm their support for multilateralism and abide by their commitment to the UN Charter.

Noting that COVID-19 is still ravaging the world, Xi said China firmly supports the key leadership of the UN system, especially the World Health Organization, in battling the pandemic.

China also firmly supports the UN system in strengthening international cooperation in COVID-19 prevention and containment, Xi added.

Xi also advocated a green revolution to protect the environment as well as reform and improvement of the global governance system.

"It is natural for countries to have differences. What's important is to address them through dialogue and consultation," he said. "Countries may engage in competition, but such competition should be positive and healthy in nature."

Xi said all countries should strengthen connectivity and think beyond national, ethnical, cultural, and ideological boundaries so as to work together to build a community of shared future for all mankind.

Guterres echoed Xi, saying that the world needs multilateralism and cooperation now more than ever in the face of the pandemic, climate change, and other challenges.

The world needs a more effective UN, he said.

During the video conference, Guterres expressed his gratitude over China's consistent and firm support for multilateralism and the UN.

Guterres highly commended a series of important initiatives and measures Xi announced at the UN General Assembly in spheres of practicing multilateralism, coping with climate change and promoting sustainable development.

He also expressed his support for China's efforts to push for jointly building a Silk Road of Green Development.

Guterres said the UN supports China in deepening cooperation with Africa and developing countries, and the UN hopes to continue strengthening cooperation with China and expects China to play a leading role.