A United Nations official who met with Chinese leader Li Peng Wednesday praised China for having "actively and most constructively participated in global efforts at environmental protection."

Shafqat Kakakhel, deputy executive director of the UN's environment programme also said Li, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, is a "distinguished leader" of China's environmental protection efforts.

China and the UN are working on protecting the ozone layer, as well as curbing hazardous wastes and preventing floods.

Li said China will spend much in the next decade for environmental protection.

Li's meeting with Kakakhel and and Daniel Biau, deputy executive Director of the UN's Commission on Human Settlements, came on the final day of his African goodwill tour during which he visited Mauritius, South Africa and Kenya.

Li was scheduled to leave Nairobi Thursday morning, local time, for Israel, where he will make an official visit.

Foreign Ministry officials believe Li's visit to Africa was a success. He was effective, they said, in articulating China's commitment to Africa, which dates back to the early days of New China.

During his trip, Li said multi-polarization remains the trend despite some developed countries are seeking world dominance.

Li called for all developing countries to cooperate in working for the establishment of a just and fair world.

In the battle for equality and common development, China believes that Africa, as a continent of 600 million people, is an irreplaceable warrior, Li maintained.