The Chinese government always places development first and attaches great importance to poverty alleviation, Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with Helen Clark — deputy secretary-general of the United Nations and head of the UN Development Program — in Beijing on May 4.

The Premier praised the efforts the UNDP has made to reduce poverty and hunger, prevent and provide relief in disasters, and promote international development. He said that after 15 years of efforts, China has broadly realized the UN Millennium Goals and provided support and help to other developing countries as part of South-South cooperation.

China is willing to draw up a global development plan for the next 15 years together with other parties, and implement the post-2015 agenda together with other countries, Premier Li said. China hopes the UNDP continues to focus on poverty alleviation, and promote balanced and sustainable development globally, he added.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN; and the international society should stress the principles of the UN Charter, take this opportunity to recall history and move toward a better future, Premier Li said.

China, as a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, will continue to support the UN in playing a bigger role in international affairs, he said.

Clark said China has made remarkable achievements in reaching the UN Millennium Goals, and its experience is worth sharing worldwide. She said that the UNDP appreciates China’s support and is willing to develop closer cooperation with China.