UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) paid a "very rich and intensive" visit to China recently, said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Thursday.
At a press briefing, Ma, also president of the Security Council for the month of November, outlined the highlights of the visit as exchanges on UN peacekeeping and China's reform and opening-up, as well as building mutual trust.
As an innovative move during its presidency of the Security Council, the Chinese government invited the council members to visit China's Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen on Nov. 24-28.
"In Beijing we focused on bilateral meetings and also the peacekeeping operations," Ma said, adding that the members were met by Chinese foreign minister and defense minister.
At the meetings, the two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on world situation as well as China's stance and the members' concerns on international issues, said Ma.
Additionally, the council members visited a peacekeeping standby force, said Ma, adding that a workshop was held, during which the members discussed UN peacekeeping challenges and steps to improve the operations with the soldiers and some experts.
In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, the council members visited several companies and had a better understanding of China's policy of reform and opening-up through the visits, he said.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy and both Guangzhou and Shenzhen were pioneers of practicing this policy.
The Chinese envoy also underscored the "very extensive and in-depth exchanges among the members" along the way.
"It's important for the members to have an opportunity to discuss issues of common concern in a free and relaxed atmosphere," said Ma.
Ma said the visit is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and trust among the member states, "which is the foundation of our work in the Security Council."
