“The Secretary-General welcomed China's early efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by aligning its five-year plan with the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs],” said a note issued by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson.

 Ban also noted the country’s leadership on South-South cooperation, calling it pivotal in advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda worldwide.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General also expressed hope regarding China’s continued leadership and multilateral engagement in support of resolving regional and global challenges and said that he looked forward to welcoming the Premier at the 71st General Debate and High-Level session of the UN General Assembly in September.

 Ban also related his appreciation for China’s leadership of the G20 and its focus on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development as key points on the G20 agenda during China’s presidency of the body.

He also expressed appreciation at Premier Li’s commitment that China will ratify the Paris Agreement before the G20, and asked him to encourage other UN Member States to ratify the accord in 2016.

The Secretary-General also expressed his condolences for the lives lost during the recent hurricane and heavy rainfalls that brought devastation to many provinces and commended the Premier’s personal engagement in the Government’s relief efforts.

 Ban also met with the State Councillor Yang Jiechi, and the two discussed global and regional concerns, ranging from response to health crises, development in Africa, and the threat of extremism and terrorism.