UNITED NATIONS - The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) fit the trend of peace, development and cooperation in the 21st century, and its implementation must move forward continuously, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday.

"In advancing the development agenda, we must cherish peace as we do our eyes," Wand said, addressing the opening plenary session of the United Nations' special event following up on efforts made to achieve the MDGs.

He pointed out that as an extension and upgrade of the MDGs, the development agenda must take development as its main objective, follow a people-oriented approach, and prioritize poverty reduction.

At this stage, we must pay particular attention to hunger and unemployment in a number of countries, he said.

Wang stressed that a sound external economic environment is indispensible for advancing the development agenda. Countries should work together to uphold an open, inclusive and growing world economy, so that more developing countries could integrate into the global value chain and benefit from it.

In advancing the development agenda, it is important to respect the national conditions of each country, he said.

Efforts should be made to improve the international framework in development with the UN at the center, and supported by other multilateral institutions, Wang said.

Wang said that China has actively implemented the MDGs and is the first developing country to meet the poverty reduction goal ahead of schedule, and has made important contributions to South-South cooperation.

China, though not rich itself, is happy to help others and has no intention to export its system or model, but will be happy if other developing countries see it as another option for reference, Wang reiterated.

Wang said that China will manage its own affairs well and, meanwhile, will do what it can to help friends, adding that this is the positive energy China contributes to the cause of human development.