UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation with the United Nations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the end of the World Anti-Fascist War, said Wang.

In this special year, important progress has been made, through the joint efforts of all parties, in the cause of human peace and development. China has fulfilled its responsibilities and play a role in the process, Wang said.

China appreciates the efforts and important contributions of the United Nations and the Secretary-General himself in this regard and China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation with the United Nations, he said.

Ban said that progress has been achieved in a number of issues, including climate change, sustainable development and the Iranian nuclear issue.

"China has played an important role in this regard and I would like to express my appreciation and congratulations to China's outstanding leadership," said Ban.

Ban also thanked China for its active participation in the process of political settlement of the Syrian issue and he hopes China will continue to play an important role in addressing hotspot issues in the future.