adminPARIS — Chinese President Xi Jinping said yesterday that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) plays an “irreplaceable” role in promoting international understanding and co-operation. President Xi, who is paying a state visit to France, made the remarks in a meeting with UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova at the headquarters of the world body.
The international situation is currently undergoing profound and complex changes, and mankind is facing increasing common challenges, noted the president.
Under such circumstances it is necessary to enhance understanding and strengthen cooperation among countries and peoples, president Xi said, adding that the role of UNESCO in this undertaking is “irreplaceable.”
“China appreciates UNESCO’s advocacy of cultural diversity and focus on universal education, especially its priority on gender equality and Africa,” said the president. Speaking highly of the long-standing co-operation between China and UNESCO, President Xi said China is ready to increase support for the UN body, especially in helping African countries and the least developed countries promote sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Beijing, he added, has decided to expand the annual enrolment of the Great Wall Fellowship — a programme in which China provides scholarships for African and other developing countries through UNESCO — from 25 to 75 so as to support the capacity-building of African teachers.
Bokova expressed gratitude for the long-running support from China, adding that she believes president Xi’s visit will inject fresh vigour into the co-operation between China and UNESCO and make bilateral collaboration more fruitful. — Xinhua.
Online Reporter