Visiting UN General Assembly President Julian Hunte on July 31 hailed multilateralism as the axis of relations between countries, saying that "this is the only way to make the world advance."

Hunte, who concluded his three-day visit to Cuba the same day, said there has been an intense work in reviving the United Nations, mainly in defense of multilateralism.

At a joint press conference after meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez, the Saint Lucia diplomat said that efforts have been made to reform the UN Security Council.

However, he said that "many things depend on the report of a panel in charge of the Secretary General Kofi Annan and we are looking forward to this to happen."

Hunte, also minister of external affairs, international trade and civil aviation of the Caribbean country of Saint Lucia, said his task at the General Assembly results from the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean.

For his part, Perez said multilateralism and constructive dialogue must prevail among countries.

He said his country firmly supports multilateralism as the way to solve problems threatening peace and the development of countries.

Perez also said he recognized the task of Hunte as president of the current 58th session of the UN General Assembly to revive.

It is "a moment that is particularly important for the present and future of the United Nations," he said.

"We receive you when we start the preparations to organize, late in 2006, the Summit of the Non-Aligned Countries and take on the presidency of that movement, so it is of vital importance to exchange opinions on the reform of the United Nations and the strengthening of multilateralism," said Perez.

During their talks, Perez and Hunte exchanged views on Cuba's role in the United Nations and other international organizations.

Source: Xinhua