Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Khaled El-Enany, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in Beijing on Tuesday.

Highlighting the active role UNESCO has played in reforming and improving global governance in education, science and culture, Xi said China actively supports the work of UNESCO, and looks forward to deepening strategic cooperation with UNESCO to better benefit the people of all countries.

Xi stressed China firmly practices true multilateralism, supports and defends the authority of the United Nations, and supports UNESCO in playing an important role in global governance.

Xi said China would like to work with UNESCO to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, enable the people of all countries to share the fruits of development in education, science and culture, better respond to the common challenges facing human society, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

He noted that the two sides should deepen cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, open science and digital education, advocate respect for the diversity of world civilizations, promote mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations, strengthen cooperation with Global South countries, promote cultural heritage protection, and advance exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

Speaking on the same occasion, El-Enany expressed appreciation for China's strong support to UNESCO. He said UNESCO looks forward to continuing to strengthen cooperation with China to improve global education standards, promote scientific and technological exchanges, deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, jointly implement the four global initiatives, and enhance the well-being of all humanity.