"Our ultimate aim is an end to aid dependency through growth and jobs."
Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - With just over 1000 days left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), British government is focusing on assisting fragile states like Afghanistan and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which have so far not reached a single goals.

"We have just over 1000 days left to achieve the MDGs and Britain is going to do everything it can to support efforts to reach these targets," said the British Secretary of State leader for International Development Justine Greening as the country`s delegation in the Fourth Meeting Of United Nation`s High-Level Panel Of Eminent Persons On The Post-2015 Development Agenda held here Wednesday.

According to Greening, the British government will continue to have a particular focus on fragile states, like

Afghanistan and the DRC which have so far not reached a single MDG.

"We want to help them eradicate extreme poverty and support their sustainable economic development," she said.

Greening also said that the British will spend 0.7 percent of its gross national income (GNI) on international development this year and will be the first G8 country to keep its promise t to the world`s poorest people.

"Achieving this pledge is not only the right thing to do - it is a smart investment," she added.

The International Development is in all British interests because it creates new markets and can deliver a more balanced, resilient and sustainable global economy.

"Our ultimate aim is an end to aid dependency through growth and jobs," she said.

In dealing with the goals, the British government`s strategy is to attack the root causes of poverty, rather than just trying to treat the symptoms.

"We look for ways to target UK cash at long-term solutions rather than quick fixes," Greening said.

Held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Wednesday morning, the meeting was officially chaired by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

British Prime Minister David Cameron who was scheduled to attend the meeting could not show up due to the country`s situation, but sent his remarks in a video conference.

(Check editing by Eliswan)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013