China welcomes the presence of Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, in today’s meeting.

In January 2016, at the request of the Government of Colombia and other parties, the Council authorized for the first time the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Colombia to support the advancement of the peace process in the country. Over the past year, the peace process in Colombia has made important headway. China appreciates the efforts of President Santos Calderón and the relevant parties in Colombia, as well as the Government of Colombia. We also thank the United Nations Mission in Colombia and the relevant countries for contributing to the advancement of the peace process in Colombia. The unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017) today by the Council on the deployment of the second mission in Colombia — the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia—once again sends a positive signal in support of that country’s peace process. It will give strong impetus to the full implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia.

The advance of the peace process in Colombia not only is conducive to maintaining peace and stability in Latin America, but also has important reference value to the Council in promoting solutions to hotspot issues in other countries and regions. We hope that Government of Colombia and other parties will be united in promoting the advancement of new achievements in the peace process and thereby set a good example for the international community in addressing conflicts appropriately. We also hope that the Secretariat will continue to respect the leadership of Colombia in the peace process, enhance communication and coordination with the Government and the relevant parties, put forward constructive options and proposals regarding the size and mandate of the Verification Mission, and make effective preparations for the peace process in the country to yield greater results. China will work with other members of the Council in making new contributions to lasting peace security, prosperity and development in Colombia.