BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Monday met with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Beijing.

While welcoming UNESCO Director-General Azoulay for her first visit to China, Xi said the future and destiny of people all over the world were increasingly linked closely.

"In the new era, China adheres to cultural self-confidence, vigorously develops educational, scientific, technological and cultural undertakings, and improves the quality of civility," Xi said. "China also upholds the concept of 'a world of great harmony' and harmonious coexistence, and advocates mutual respect, greater exchange and stronger mutual understanding for different cultures."

China is willing to make greater contributions to advancing dialogue between civilizations, human development and progress, said Xi.

"As the world's largest intellectual cooperation organization, UNESCO can play an important role in building a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.