China, UNICEF cooperate in supporting Indonesia's free school meal programs in Papua

JAKARTA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- A joint assessment of the Chinese government and UNICEF's aid to Indonesia's free nutritious meal program was held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Jayapura, the capital of Indonesia's eastern province of Papua.

Regional Secretary of Papua province Christian Sohilait expressed his gratitude for the Chinese government's selfless assistance, which has enabled vulnerable groups in the province, such as children and pregnant women, to receive more nutritious and balanced meals, and for school-age children to receive better education.

Li Hongwei, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, stated that the project has already achieved positive results, benefiting nearly 140,000 people and bringing tangible benefits to local children, women and communities.

It is hoped that all parties will continue to ensure the project's implementation and quality, continuously improve the nutritional status of children and women in Papua, extend the project's reach to more people, and create a model of trilateral cooperation, Li said.