Premier Li Keqiang arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sept 18. [Photo/Xinhua]

NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Sunday to attend the 71st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

China is an active supporter of all causes of the UN, and strongly defends the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and actively participates in the work of the UN as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Li said.

China is willing to work with all sides to make contributions to better address global challenges and promote world peace and development, the premier said upon his arrival.

Li, accompanied by his wife Cheng Hong and senior Chinese officials, arrived in New York as guest of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

During his stay in the city, the premier will outline China's stance on major issues including international order, global governance, and peace and development, while addressing the general debate of the UN General Assembly.

The premier is also expected to announce China's pragmatic measures to support the UN's endeavor and cope with global challenges.

Li is also scheduled to chair a symposium on sustainable development, attend the UN General Assembly's high level meeting on solving the problem of mass movement of refugees and immigrants, and a leaders' summit on refugee issues.

The premier's attendance at the UN General Assembly is one of China's major diplomatic events in the multilateral arena this year and shows that China values the UN and multilateralism, Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said Wednesday in Beijing.

"China hopes to take the premier's UN tour as an opportunity to strengthen communication with other sides and underline the basic norms of international relations. The international community should jointly establish a new international order with cooperation and reciprocity at its core," Li Baodong told a press conference.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the restoration of China's seat in the United Nations.

On the sidelines of the UN conferences, the premier will meet with Ban and hold talks with some state leaders.

During his stay in New York, the premier is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, and meet local figures in the fields of economy, finance, think tanks and media, and attend events held by institutions including the Economic Club of New York.

After concluding his tour in New York, Li will leave for official visits to Canada and Cuba.

During the upcoming visit to Canada, the first by a Chinese premier in 13 years, Li and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will hold talks to promote bilateral relations.

Cuba, the first country in Latin America to establish diplomatic ties with China, is the last stop of Li's visit. It will be the first official visit by a Chinese premier since the two countries established diplomatic ties 56 years ago. Enditem