Mr President,

China thanks High Representative Inzko and Ms. Hasic for their briefings.

China has maintained a consistent position of respecting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity. We respect the choice of its people in charting the way forward for their country and support its various ethnic communities living in harmony and seeking common development.

China welcomes recent positive progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the formation of State-level Council of Ministers at the end of last year. But we are also concerned at the current trend of political division. The Peace and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the common interests of the international community and regional countries. In this regard, China would like to make the following three points:

First, political commitment should be reaffirmed. Political mistrust is an important factor for many questions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Relevant parties should take the 25th anniversary of the "Dayton Accords" as an opportunity, to put the interests of the country and the people first, by strengthening dialogue and cooperation, increasing mutual trust, and avoiding divisive words or actions. Political leaders should work together to unify the country, enhance state-level institution, and improve efficiency and capacity of decision-makings.

Second, development should be vigorously promoted. The population drain impedes Bosnia and Herzegovina to fulfil its development potential. As pointed out in the High Representative’s report, over 200,000 people have left Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2013, and about 60,000 in 2019 alone. Youth are the future of a country. All parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina should increase investment in education, health care and infrastructure, and promote economic and social development. Only by doing so, can a good environment for people of all ethnic groups to live in harmony be created.

Third, the international community should play a positive role. The issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex and sensitive. China believes that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have the ability and wisdom to solve their own problems. The international community should listen with an open mind to the positions and concerns of all parties and take a balanced and prudent approach. We hope that the High Representative will work according to his mandate and contribute to the implementation of the Dayton Accords. We also hope that the European Union-led military operation there will continue to strengthen engagement with the parties concerned and help maintain security and stability in the country.

Fighting against COVID-19 is a prominent challenge for all the international community. China commends that relevant parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina stepped up coordination and cooperation in combating the pandemic. We hope they will take combating this pandemic as an opportunity, to stand in solidarity and step up coordination and cooperation. The international community should actively support Bosnia and Herzegovina. On our part, China has provided masks, medical gowns and testing kits to Bosnia and Herzegovina since the outbreak there. We have also organized a video conference between our experts to share best practices. We will continue working with the international community to support Bosnia and Herzegovina to the best of our capacity, and continue to do our part in helping the country achieve lasting peace, stability and development.