BEIJING — China is eyeing increased cooperation with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the Belt and Road Initiative, according to Vice-Premier Liu Yandong.

Liu made the remarks on May 16 when separately meeting with UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake and UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin, both of whom attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing from May 14 to 15.

The Belt and Road Initiative is conducive to developing the regional and world economies, facilitating countries along the routes to share the opportunities created by China’s development, and achieve common prosperity, Liu said.

Liu also acknowledged the long-term pragmatic cooperation between China and the two UN agencies.

Hailing China’s remarkable achievement in children’s rights and population development, and congratulating China on the fruitful outcomes of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, both Lake and Osotimehin expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation with China within the initiative, and achieve success in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong meets with Executive Director of UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Babatunde Osotimehin in Beijing, capital of China, May 16, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]