Mr. President,

I thank the briefing by Ms. Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

As an important partner for cooperation of the UN and the Security Council, the EU actively supports multilateralism and strengthening the role of the UN. It has been actively involved in resolving hot spot issues in regions such as Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has played an important role in maintaining regional peace and stability. China expresses its appreciation in this connection.

We live in a world where countries are becoming more inter-dependent and our future more intertwined. China supports the UN and the Security Council in deepening their cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations such as the EU in accordance with relevant provisions of Chapter 8 of the UN Charter.

First, the UN and the EU should join hands in upholding multilateralism. In today’s world, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise and the international order and the global system of governance are under attack. Multilateralism is needed now more than ever before. Parties must work together to safeguard the international system and the collective security mechanism with the UN at its core and enhance the role and standing of the UN in international affairs.

Second, the UN and the EU must uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter by respecting countries’ sovereignty and their independent choices of development path and resolving disputes through diplomatic means such as dialogue, good offices and mediation. The leading role of countries concerned and the AU on regional issues should be respected.

Third, there is space for cooperation between the UN and the EU in promoting sustainable development. As a party with economic and development advantages, the EU has a lot to offer in terms of helping and supporting developing countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development through strengthening North-South cooperation in line with the needs of the developing countries and working in synergy with the UN.

China highly values its relationship with the EU. We support the European integration and welcome a united, stable and prosperous Europe. China is ready to continue to work with the EU, and through platforms of cooperation such as the Belt and Road Initiative, to make new headway in China-EU partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization, thereby making new contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. President.