Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), met in Beijing on June 17 with a delegation headed by Ahunna Eziakonwa, assistant secretary-general of the United Nations, assistant administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and director of the Regional Bureau for Africa.
Zhao said the UNDP is an important partner of the CIDCA and the two parties have achieved fruitful results in policy dialogue, practical cooperation and personnel exchanges. China has always adhered to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as well as pursuing the greater good and shared interests in its cooperation with Africa, he said. The CIDCA is willing to work with the UNDP to strengthen cooperation on the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Global Development Initiative, in order to help Africa achieve industrialization and agricultural modernization, and cultivate more talents, he added.
Eziakonwa spoke highly of China's leadership and crucial role in international development cooperation. She pledged to fully tap the UNDP's strengths in personnel, networking and professional expertise, deepen cooperation with the CIDCA in key areas such as digital development, development financing and talent cultivation, and create new brands of development cooperation in the Global South, to jointly assist African countries in achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals at an early date.