Chang Zheng, vice-chairperson of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), met with Bruno Angelet, the Belgian ambassador to China, for a working meeting in Beijing on Jan 19.
Chang provided an overview of the development and achievements in the country's disability affairs. The Chinese government has integrated the development of the disability affairs into the overall national economic and social development plans, established and improved a legal framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities, and enhanced the social security system and support services for them, according to Chang. Subsidy policies for the living and nursing of people with disabilities have been implemented, and efforts in enhancing their access to education, employment, rehabilitation, sports, and culture have been intensified, he said. An increasing number of people with disabilities have actively striven for self-reliance and social integration playing an important part in the advancement of Chinese modernization, he added.
The CDPF attaches great importance to international exchanges and cooperation, and enjoys long-standing friendly relations with United Nations agencies and other international organizations in the disability sector, Chang noted, adding that the federation has established regular communication mechanisms for practical cooperation with multiple countries. Significant potential exists for China and Belgium to cooperate in areas such as rehabilitation, education, employment, and the development of assistive technologies for people with disabilities, Chang said. The CDPF is willing to engage in dialogue and practical cooperation with Belgium to enhance the well-being of people with disabilities in both countries, he noted.
Angelet expressed appreciation for China's achievements in disabilities affairs and introduced relevant policies in Belgium. He stated that the Belgian embassy in China would support and facilitate exchanges and cooperation between relevant departments, social organizations, and research institutions of both countries, so as to promote the inclusive development of people with disabilities.