Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Wednesday with Matsuura Koichiro, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Tang said that UNESCO has shouldered the responsibility of promoting the development of education, science and cultural as well as safeguarding world peace. It has also faced the task of improving education, eradicating poverty and protecting cultural diversification.

"China advocates that UNESCO's top priority should be given to promoting educational, scientific and cultural cooperation in developing countries," he said.

He stressed the importance of respecting cultural diversification and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

China advocates that different peoples, religions and civilizations should respect each other, promote understanding through dialogue and settle disputes by peaceful means. This will lead to a harmonious society, he said, adding that UNESCO should play a constructive role in this regard.

Matsuura Koichiro gave a positive appraisal of the cooperation between UNESCO and China on education, culture and water resources, saying UNESCO would like to further cooperate with China.

Source: Xinhua