Diplomats from the five permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations gathered in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wu Hailong, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with his counterparts from France, Russia, Britain, and the United States, participated in the consultation.

They exchanged views on major international and regional issues, UN reform, peace-keeping operations, as well as reconstruction after conflicts.

They agreed that the UN was facing both challenges and opportunities, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council enjoyed common interest and should strengthen contact and cooperation to promote the UN's bigger role in international affairs.

They also agreed to continue to hold regular consultation.

Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi met with the foreign diplomats who attended the consultation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2008)