The cooperation between China and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the past 40 years has been productive, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner in Beijing on Thursday.

Noting that the UNDP is the first UN organization on development to start a collaboration with China since the latter's reform and opening-up, Li said the UNDP has helped with China's economic and social development.

As one of the permanent member states of the UN Security Council, China looks forward to working with the UNDP to uphold multilateralism and the international order centered on the UN Charter to cope with global challenges, Li stressed. 

The Chinese premier also promised that China will help other countries to improve their ability of self-reliance and sustainability, and make a contribution to world peace and development. 

Steiner said the UNDP is ready to further cooperate with China and share with each other their experiences of development.