Madam President,

I would like to thank Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for the work she has done and for the briefing she has just made.

Recently, thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, Iraq has maintained overall security and stability. Positive progress has been made in the formation of both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government， and national reconciliation and reconstruction have been steadily advancing. The Security Council conducted its first visit to Iraq in June, lending firm support to Iraq for its efforts in economic recovery, peace and stability, national reconciliation and reconstruction. In the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, Iraq develops friendly relations with all neighboring countries, and strives to ease regional tension. China wishes to register its appreciation. China welcomes Iraq's handover of the human remains of Kuwaitis exhumed from the burial sites of Samawah and expects the two sides to continue close cooperation on this matter.

That said, Iraq is still at a critical stage of consolidating counter-terrorism results, achieving peace and stability, and taking forward national reconstruction. All parties should fully respect Iraq’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and firmly support the efforts of Iraq.

First, support needs to be continued for Iraq to consolidate its counter-terrorism results and safeguard its national security. Although Iraq has made tremendous sacrifice for the international fight against terrorism, it still faces the threat posed by terrorist remnants . The settlement of the problem of IDPs in Iraq should be steadily pursued in light of Iraq’s national conditions and reconstruction process. Iraq’s handling of FTFs and their dependents deserves strong support. The international community should fully respect the jurisdiction of Iraq and support Iraq in bringing terrorists to justice in accordance with its relevant domestic law. UNITAD should actively conduct its work according to its mandate and in close consultation with the host government.

Second, support needs to be continued for the inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation process of Iraq. China welcomes the improvement of relations between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, looks forward to the conclusion of an agreement on oil revenue distribution and security arrangements as soon as possible, and welcomes UNAMI's constructive role in this regard. The international community should support and facilitate the inclusive reconciliation and harmonious coexistence of all Iraqi parties, which is in line with the fundamental interests and development needs of all Iraqi people and is of positive significance for regional peace and stability.

Third, vigorous efforts should be made to facilitate Iraq’s economic recovery and expedite its reconstruction. China commends the Iraqi government for its commitment to improving its business environment to actively attract foreign investment, and for issuing its first report on the implementation of the government work plan (2018 to 2022), which helps promote economic reconstruction and development. China welcomes the MOU signed between UNAMI and the Iraqi Government to establish the Iraq Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Trust Fund in support of the Government’s Recovery and Development Framework. The international community should earnestly fulfill its commitments and continue to provide Iraq with assistance in support of its effort to find a development path compatible with its own national conditions.

Madam President,

China supports all the efforts that help maintain peace and stability in Iraq and combat terrorism and supports UNAMI in effectively continuing its work according to its mandate. China will continue to actively participate in Iraq’s reconstruction in sectors such as energy and infrastructure under the framework of the “Belt and Road”. And, to the best of its abilities, China will provide assistance to Iraq for its economic and social development, and help Iraq achieve peace, stability and development.

Thank you, Madam President.