Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's minister of women affairs, community, small and medium enterprises development, said Xi's participation in the meeting underscored his firm commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.

"I come to China every year. China is not leaving anyone or any place behind in its development, and that is something we all admire," she said, adding that Zimbabwe hopes to learn from China's experience in supporting women in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Roland Reiland, Luxembourg's ambassador to China, described the measures announced by Xi as "very important" and expressed hope that other countries would follow suit.

"We still have a long way to go in advancing the cause of women and ensuring their fulfillment of rights," Reiland said, emphasizing the need to step up efforts to achieve one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn