The Chinese government and the United Nations signed an agreement regarding the arrangements for the 60th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the 8th Session of the Special Body on Pacific Island Developing Countries of the ESCAP in Beijing Thursday.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Kim Hak-Su after their meeting.

As the only comprehensive organization regarding economic and social development set up by the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific region, ESCAP plays an important role in strengthening cooperation between countries in the region.

The two sessions were scheduled to be held at Shanghai from April 20 to 28 in 2004.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2003)