Joining the International Organization for Migration will strengthen China's management of migration affairs and help the country's socioeconomic development, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Friday.

The IOM held a special council in Geneva on Thursday and approved China's application to join the organization.

Hong said, "China joining the IOM will help China draw on the international community's advanced experience in managing migration affairs, strengthen its ability to manage migration and provide consular protection, as well as help China's socioeconomic development."

It will also help the country better take part in global governance regarding migration issues and contribute its wisdom and strength to the field, Hong said.

On June 13, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao submitted China's application for IOM membership to IOM Director General William Lacy Swing in Beijing.

Established in 1951 and focusing on helping to manage migration issues around the world, the IOM now has more than 160 member states.

The United Nations issued a statement on Thursday, saying that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomes China joining the organization.