China supports its relevant departments to beef up cooperation with SOS Kinderdorf International (SOS KDI) on children's welfare, said Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu Friday in Beijing.

Hui made the remarks when meeting with SOS KDI President Helmut Kutin, who is here to attend the 20th anniversary celebration for cooperation between China's Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) and SOS KDI.

Hui expressed appreciation for SOS KDI's contribution to China's children's welfare, and congratulated Helmut Kutin on his being granted the highest award for China's children's welfare by MCA.

He also briefed the guest on China's reform and opening-up policy as well as its economic and social development.

Over the past 20 years, SOS KDI has provided a total of 355 million yuan (42.9 million US dollars) of fund and cooperated with MCA in establishing SOS children's villages in China.

So far, China has set up nine SOS children's villages in such cities as Tianjin, Yantai, Qiqihar, Nanchang, Kaifeng Chengdu, Putian, Urumqi and Lhasa. At present, more than 1,300 Chinese orphans are receiving family care in the children's villages.

The SOS Children's Village was originated in Austria during World War II, aimed to provide orphans with family care. More than 400 such villages have been established in more than 130 countries, according to the SOS KDI.

Source: Xinhua