As Ban Ki-moon's second term as UN Secretary General draws to a close, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to him via telephone on Monday to praise his contribution to promoting world peace and prosperity, and to deepening ties between China and the United Nations.

Xi said Ban has faithfully fulfilled the duties conferred by the UN Charter and scored some remarkable achievements, including the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Xi added that China's cooperation with the UN reached new heights during Ban's time in office.

Ban praised the leading role China has played in promoting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the South-South cooperation and in combating global climate change.