Chinese FM: Credit turmoil won't compromise UN development goals

China on Friday reaffirmed its efforts to honor its commitments to the United Nations development goals despite the global financial turmoil.

"China, together with developing countries, is concerned about the U.S. financial situation, which was triggered by the U.S. credit crunch," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei told journalists.

"But I don't think the turmoil will compromise the UN Millennium Development Goals," or MDGs. "China will honor its commitments," he said.

He made the comments at a press briefing on Premier Wen Jiabao's attendance at the UN MDG summit in New York on Sept. 25.

Set in 2000, the MDGs include eradicating extreme poverty, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality and improving maternal health, all by 2015.

As this year coincided with the mid-term review for the MDG, heads of states or government chiefs from 140 countries will attend the summit, he said.

"The presence of so many world leaders at the summit shows their intent to carry out the commitments in reaching the MDGs," he said.

Wen will address the summit, elaborating what China has done to realize goals on global poverty alleviation and offering suggestions on how to better attain the goals.

Wen will also attend the general debate of the 63rd UN General Assembly, outlining China's development strategy and foreign policy.

"We can't foresee how the financial market will move, but we can prevail over difficulties as long as all countries make concerted efforts," the vice minister said.

"As for China, our economy is much more solid than in past. Thus, I am confident we will implement our commitments for the MDGs," he said.

Source: Xinhua