I thank High Representative Inzko for his briefing. I would like to make the following three points.

First, China welcomes the continued stability of the overall situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Presidency of BiH has reiterated its commitment to the agreement. Local elections have been held smoothly as scheduled, and the reform of the Brčko District progressing steadily. These are all positive developments worthy of our recognition. At the same time, nation building in BiH still faces many challenges. We encourage all parties to set store by the interests of the country and its people, strengthen dialogue and consultation, enhance mutual trust, promote ethnic harmony, resolve disputes, and reconcile differences and promote solutions to the outstanding issues in nation building.

Second, China hopes that all ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina will work together to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, which is yet to be brought under effective control. We encourage all parties to stay united and coordinated to protect the safety and health of people of all ethnicities and seize the opportunity to enhance mutual trust and reconciliation and achieve harmonious coexistence. The international community should scale up support for BiH in fighting the pandemic. China has donated protective equipment and test kits and organized several groups of medical experts to share experiences and practices with their BiH counterparts. Recently, we have provided COVID-19 vaccines made in China.

Third, China calls on the international community to take a fair and balanced approach on the BiH issue. We encourage the High Representative to maintain constructive dialogue and cooperation with all Bosnian parties. The appointment of High Representative should be handled in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement and past practices.

Since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement 25 years ago, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone great changes. The international community should examine, in light of the developments on the ground, ways to render concrete support to BiH in implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement to better accommodate the needs of its people. China respects the sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and believes that its people have the ability and the wisdom to address their own issues. China will continue to work with all countries to support the national reconciliation process in BiH and safeguard peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.