Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday pledged to increase cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Wen told visiting UNDP Administrator Helen Clark that the Chinese government applauded the UNDP's assistance and support.

Hailing the UNDP's efforts in global development and poverty reduction, Wen spoke highly of the UNDP's positive role in the progress toward achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Clark expressed her appreciation for China's achievements in its social and economic development, hoping to work with the country to expand cooperation to jointly cope with challenges.

Clark was?in Beijing?on a visit at the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce of China.