United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended China's achievement in eradicating extreme poverty in a recent message to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Guterres said the remarkable achievement is a huge contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the plan of action for a better and more prosperous world.

It also brings hope and inspiration to the international society, and shows that a campaign promise and consistent policy can make a difference in improving livelihood of the most deprived and vulnerable, Guterres said.

It's important to seize the opportunities of innovation, green growth and openness to improve people's living, he added.

In the message, Guterres congratulated the Chinese government and President Xi, saying he believes China would make more achievements and meet the pledge of "leaving no one behind."

(Cover: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the media during a joint news conference in Berlin, Germany, December 17, 2020. /Reuters)