Mr. Chair,

I join other colleagues in welcoming the presence of Prime Minister Patrice Émery Trovoada at this meeting. The Prime Minister's statement at this meeting has helped the Peacebuilding Commission form a comprehensive and accurate picture of the domestic situation in São Tomé and Príncipe and what they need. I also think other briefers for their contribution.

The new government of São Tomé and Príncipe, under the leadership of Prime Minister Trovoada, has made tremendous efforts to maintain political stability, improve national governance, safeguard social equity and justice, enhance the well-being of the people, and deepen cooperation with countries in ECCAS as well as international partners, which deserves full recognition. China supports the PBC, among other UN agencies, to increase funding and technical support to São Tomé and Príncipe in areas needed to maintain peace and security. At the same time, the political process, judicial reform, and security sector development are about a state’s domestic affairs. While lending support, the international community should fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of São Tomé and Príncipe, and refrain from interfering in its domestic affairs.

Mr. Chair,

As a small island developing country, São Tomé and Príncipe has been even more severely impacted by the challenges of the global economic turmoil, climate change, and food security. The country faces several unique difficulties in poverty reduction and development. The PBC should attach sufficient importance to a development perspective among others to analyze and approach these difficulties comprehensively and provide constructive recommendations and assistance. The international community should provide more support in areas such as infrastructure, employment and revenue generation, and improving livelihoods, and help São Tomé and Príncipe in capacity building, so as to achieve sustainable development and consolidate the foundations for long-term peace and stability.

China is an important partner of São Tomé and Príncipe. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has strengthened cooperation with the country and has provided support in the areas of electricity, agriculture, health, poverty alleviation, and climate change, helping it develop his economy and improve people’s livelihood. China is ready to work with the international community to provide more support for the peaceful development of São Tomé and Príncipe.

I thank you, Chair.