Photo taken on March 5, 2016 shows red flags on the Tian'anmen Square and atop the Great Hall of the People before the opening of the fourth session of the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China.(Xinhua/Xue Yubin)
GENEVA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday welcomed China's application for its membership, saying that it is "crucial" for the organization's global significance.
IOM Director General William Lacy Swing on Monday met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao who delivered a letter of application for membership in IOM.
"China's membership in IOM is crucial towards growing the organization's global significance," Swing said after the meeting.
During the meeting, Swing also discussed global migration and the migrant situation in Europe, as well as preparations for the upcoming UN Summit on large-scale movements of migrants and refugees on September 19.
Wang expressed China's recognition of the IOM's role and contributions in managing migration worldwide, stressing three areas for future cooperation with the IOM: capacity building and regional border management, disaster prevention and integration of migrants.
IOM was born in 1951 out of the chaos and displacement of Western Europe following the Second World War.
From its roots as an operational logistics agency, it has broadened its scope to become the leading international agency working with governments and civil society to advance the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
