I thank Germany for its initiative in convening today's meeting. I welcome Vice-President Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon of the Republic of South Sudan to today's meeting. I also thank him for his statement. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and Ambassador Osman, Permanent Representative of the Sudan, for their statements.

On 9 July, the Republic of South Sudan officially proclaimed its formation. The Chinese Government and people would like to extend our warm congratulations. Their present progress was achieved through a great deal of assiduous effort. In promoting the peace process between South Sudan and the Sudan and in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the leaders and peoples of those two countries have shown exceptional wisdom, courage and unwavering will. The birth of the Republic of South Sudan gives expression to the common desire and autonomous choice of the people of that State. It is a major result of the peace process in the Sudan; it will promote lasting peace and stability in the region and is of great historical significance.

The Chinese people and the people of South Sudan share a deep traditional friendship and a common desire to strengthen friendly exchanges. On the day when the Republic of South Sudan was founded, President Hu Jintau of China sent a message of congratulation to President Kiir of the Republic of South Sudan. China has already established diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Sudan, beginning a new chapter in the relations of the two countries. China will establish and develop a long-term, healthy, stable, friendly and cooperative relationship with the Republic of South Sudan on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

China supports South Sudan's application for membership of the United Nations. We look forward to the historic moment when South Sudan becomes the 193rd Member State. We look forward to strengthening a comprehensive cooperation with South Sudan within the framework of the United Nations. We sincerely hope that the young Republic of South Sudan will continue to register new accomplishments in its efforts at State-building and development so as to become a positive force in maintaining peace and stability and the promotion of common development. China will continue to provide its assistance, within its capacities, to South Sudan's development and reconstruction.

South Sudan is facing many challenges immediately after its formation. We appeal to the international community to continue to support South Sudan's efforts to achieve political stability, and to provide effective assistance for its economic recovery and development. We support the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Government of South Sudan and to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability and the promotion of development in South Sudan.

Both the Sudan and South Sudan are at a new phase in their history. They share a common history, and their economies and cultures are closely linked, as are peace and development in both countries. Continued tolerance, mutual understanding and strengthened cooperation between the two countries represent the only option to achieve peaceful coexistence and common development. We hope that the two countries will continue to focus on the overall situation of peace and the well-being of the two peoples in finding appropriate solutions to the outstanding issues of the CPA through dialogue and negotiation.

China welcomes the good offices of the African Union in resolving the outstanding issues between the Sudan and South Sudan. China supports the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel led by Mr. Mbeki in playing an important role in this regard.

The Government of the Sudan has demonstrated its political resolve to facilitate the peace process between the South and the North and has made tremendous efforts in this regard. The international community should normalize its relations with the Sudan soon so that its people can enjoy peace, dignity and development at an early date. It is our sincere hope that the Sudan and South Sudan, with the support and assistance of the United Nations and other international partners, will be good neighbours, good partners and good brothers forever.