Chinese vice premier urges to strengthen South-South cooperation at UN meeting

BUENOS AIRES, March 21 (XinHua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hu CHunHua on Wednesday called for expanding areas of the South-South cooperation with more innovative modes when addressing the opening session of the Second High-level UN Conference on South-South cooperation scheduled through Friday.

The South-South cooperation is a term historically used by policymakers and academics to describe the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries.

Hu emphasized in the speech that China firmly supports multilateralism and the multilateral mechanism with the UN as its core, and resolutely safeguards the basic principles of respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit, and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

He said he hopes that this meeting will reach a consensus and provide a solid foundation for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He pointed out that China is a firm supporter, active participant and important contributor of the South-South cooperation, which is a common cause of developing countries, and a complement to North-South cooperation instead of a substitute.

China will continue to shoulder the international responsibilities that are compatible with its own development stage and actual capabilities, and work together with all countries to build a community of a shared future for mankind, he said.

During the meeting, Hu also met with Achim Steiner, administrator of the UN Development Programme.