China's vice foreign minister said on Monday that the country plans to push for solid cooperation with the rest of Asia and the Pacific region to help the region recover from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ma Zhaoxu spoke during an online meeting with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the ministry said.  

Ma said Beijing was also proposing that the Asia Pacific collaborate on a memorandum of understanding on cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative.

He added that China is willing to contribute to the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Alisjahbana responded that she appreciated the support from China and would like to work together on the Belt and Road Initiative in promoting sustainable development and on climate issues. 

She said she hoped to promote the stability of Asia and the Pacific island region along with China.