Madam President,

I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for their briefings. In light of their briefings, I would like to make the following three points. 

First, containing the spillover effects of the escalation of the Gaza conflict on Syria. Over the past four months, Israel has continued to launch airstrikes on various locations in Syria through the occupied Golan Heights, about which China is deeply concerned. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid exacerbating tensions. Countries outside the region should play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and preventing the conflict from spreading and expanding.

Second, promoting a political solution to the Syrian issue. China welcomes the successful convening of the 21st round of High-Level Meetings on Syria within the framework of the Astana format as well as Special Envoy Pedersen’s extensive engagement with all parties on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The international community should uphold the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, encourage dialogue and consultations, and find a solution acceptable to all parties. We believe help from regional countries will inject new momentum into the political settlement of the Syrian issue. We support the Syrian Government in taking necessary measures to combat terrorism, maintain security and stability, and eliminate the long-term threats to the political process in Syria. The international community must combat all terrorism in Syria with zero tolerance. 

Third, working together to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Over the past year, the UN and the Syrian Government have maintained effective and smooth communication and cross-border points have been extended several times. We urge the parties concerned to show sincerity and make positive progress in cross-line operations. As humanitarian funding for Syria has long been insufficient, the international community should increase its input in humanitarian assistance to Syria and support humanitarian operations and early recovery projects throughout the country. Unilateral sanctions and the plundering of resources have long impeded Syria’s economic recovery, social development, and improvement of people's livelihood, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in Syria. We urge the countries concerned to immediately end their unlawful acts and foreign forces to immediately end their illegal military presence in Syria.

Thank you, Madam President.