BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday called on the United Nations to play a more important role in international affairs as he met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

"As the core of international and multilateral organizations and mechanisms, the United Nations has played an irreplaceable part in safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and advancing international cooperation," Hu said during the meeting with the UN chief.

Ban is in Beijing for an official visit from Tuesday to Thursday, where he will also attend the opening ceremony of the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday.

"In today's complex and volatile international situations, the international community has more expectations of the UN and there are increasing calls for multilateralism," said the Chinese leader, adding that "the function of the UN should be strengthened."

Hu plauded the outcomes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development held last month in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro, saying the gathering had made contributions to the sustainable development of the whole world.

During the meeting with Ban, Hu pledged that China will continue to support the secretary-general's work and make further efforts to boost the cooperation between China and the UN.

Hu said Ban's visit to China and attendance at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC meeting shows that the UN chief has paid a great deal of attention to UN-China cooperation and strongly supports the new strategic partnership forged between China and African countries.

The forthcoming FOCAC meeting will create a blueprint for future development of cooperation between China and Africa, Hu told the UN chief, adding the Chinese side is willing to work together with African nations to advance their new strategic partnership in a sustainable way.

Echoing the Chinese leader, Ban said the development of the FOCAC has proved that China is committed to boosting cooperation with other developing nations.

"This is a great example of how China can contribute to the developing world and to South-South cooperation," Ban said.

For his part, Ban thanked China for the nation's participation in the UN's peace-keeping missions, efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and great contribution to promoting global sustainable development.

China has played an important role in safeguarding peace and advancing common development of the world, Ban said, adding that China's support and cooperation is of great significance for the UN's push to counter various global challenges.

The UN hopes to further cooperation with China and make joint efforts with the nation to promote peace, security and development in the world, Ban said.

The two sides also exchanged their views on Syria-related issues among others.