I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun, Under-Secretary-General O’Brien and Ms. Askira for their briefings.

Recently, the overall situation in Central and West Africa has been stable. The regional countries have strengthened their security cooperation, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of the Lake Chad basin countries has made good progress in combating terrorism. China appreciates those developments. On the other hand, the security problems and the humanitarian situation in the Central and West African region remain very serious. Repeated terrorist attacks and displaced civilians, together with rampant violent crimes, pose a threat to the security and stability of the region. The international community should strengthen its support for the countries of Central and West Africa, including the countries of the Lake Chad basin region.

First, we should support countries of the region in their counter-terrorism efforts. African counterterrorism efforts constitute a very important component in international counter-terrorism efforts. Subject to the condition of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, the international community should assist the countries of the region in building their capacity to fight terrorism, enable the MNJTF to effectively conduct its operations, and further eliminate the threats posed by terrorism to the countries of the region.

Secondly, there must be greater cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The international community must respect the leading role played by regional organizations in addressing the region’s problems and fully leverage the unique expertise and advantages that those organizations have with a view to building synergies and promoting appropriate solutions to regional hotspot issues through such methods as dialogue, mediation and good offices.

Thirdly, the countries of the region must also be provided with assistance to accelerate their development and address the root causes of conflict. The international community should provide financial and technical assistance to those countries on the basis of respect for their national sovereignty, so that they can truly build their capacities and enhance their economic and social development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has just completed a visit to five African countries, namely, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. That visit achieved its planned goals of deepening friendship, enhancing communication, aligning ideas, building greater confidence and deepening our cooperation. China will continue to uphold the policy of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and the values of friendship, justice and shared interests. China will faithfully implement the results of the Johannesburg Summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. China is ready to work with the international community and the countries concerned to support the countries of Central and West Africa in their efforts to achieve lasting peace and common prosperity and make new contributions to peace and development in Africa.