China appreciates Nigeria’s initiative to hold this debate on the maintenance of international peace and security and security sector reform (SSR). I welcome His Excellency Mr. Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, to our meeting today to lead our debate. I also welcome the statement made by

Under-Secretary-General Ladsous.

SSR is a part of the United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. Over the years, the United Nations has made positive efforts to assist post-conflict countries in SSR, in particular African countries, producing good results.

As United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations evolve, how to assist the countries concerned in conducting SSR more effectively and viably is an important topic facing the international community. I would like to focus on the following points.

First, SSR should be based on the leadership of the countries concerned and fully take into account their national circumstances and special needs. The efforts of the international community should focus on providing assistance and advice and helping those

countries enhance their capacity-building efforts. Such efforts should also respect their will.

Secondly, SSR should serve the purpose of the long-term stability and security of the countries concerned and their sustainable development. It should focus on restoring law and order through reforms and ensuring stability and security for the people. Moreover, SSR should enable armed forces and the police and other sectors to participate in national institution-building to maintain social order and to promote economic development.

Thirdly, SSR should support a comprehensive peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategy. SSR should be well-coordinated with, and complement the efforts to promote, reconciliation, rehabilitate the economy, promote the rule of law and protect human rights.

Fourthly, SSR should benefit from the mediation efforts of the international community. The United Nations should draw on years of successful peacekeeping and peacebuilding experience to formulate a comprehensive strategy to help the countries concerned in conducting SSR and act as a good coordinator. The General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Secretariat should

pull together and build synergies. The United Nations should also strengthen its coordination and communications with the relevant regional and subregional organizations.

China supports the draft presidential statement submitted by Nigeria.