A delighted child runs through a fountain to cool off at Shanghai Expo Garden July 22, 2010. The heat wave lingers at the Expo, causing visitors to find some creative ways to cool off. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - China's Foreign Ministry on Monday said the country is willing to enhance cooperation with other countries in urbanization as a UN General Assembly committee designated October 31 as World Cities Day.

The UN General Assembly "decides to designate October 31?of every year, beginning in 2014, as World Cities Day," said a resolution adopted by the UNGA Economic and Financial Committee on Friday.

Expressing gratitude for relevant countries and the UN Human Settlements Programme, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said at a routine press briefing that the World Cities Day is the first World Day initiated by China in the UN.

The World Cities Day originated in "Better City, Better Life," the theme of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with foreign countries in urbanization and sustainable development, he said, noting that China is in an important period of urbanization.