ROME - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday that the United Nations should pay more attention to and increase its input on the development issue.

"Only by doing so can the UN achieve the Millennium Development Goals, better tackle complicated international issues, and promote world peace and development," Xi said while meeting with UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon here.

The two leaders are here for the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of unification of Italy.

According to Xi, the global situation has witnessed complicated and profound changes and the cause of world peace and development still faces a number of uncertain elements.

As the world's most universal and authoritative inter- governmental organization with widest representation, the UN plays an important and irreplaceable role in pushing forward multilateralism, coordinating international cooperation and coping with global threats and challenges, Xi said.

To better meet the expectations from the international community, Xi suggested, the UN should stick to the guideline and principles set forth in the UN Charter and focus more on development issues.

Xi said that China, the world's largest developing country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has always actively promoted, supported and practiced multilateralism while safeguarding the authority and function of the UN.

"We have earnestly fulfilled our due responsibilities and obligations, making our contribution for the UN to perform its own duties," he noted.

China will continue to fully support the UN to play its core role in the international affairs, actively participate in the UN' s work in all areas, develop a partnership with the UN and render support and coordination for the UN, he pledged.

Ban spoke highly of China's achievements in socio-economic development. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always played the role of a responsible power and actively engaged in the cause of world peace and development, he said.

China has also made important contribution to helping underdeveloped nations in Africa and other places and easing the tension on such hot spots as the Korean Peninsula, thus winning praise from the international community, he said.

The UN is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with China and make unremitting efforts for world peace and development, he added.

Xi is on an official visit as the guest of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.