I thank you, Sir, for convening this briefing on United Nations cooperation with the European Union (EU). China listened attentively to the briefing given by Ms. Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

As the largest organization of regional integration in the world, the EU has achieved significant results in economic and political integration and made important contributions to the promotion of a multipolar world. As an important cooperation partner of the United Nations and the Security Council, the EU has actively participated in efforts to resolve regional hotspot issues, such as the Iranian nuclear issue and the situations in the Middle East and Africa. It has played an important role in maintaining regional stability in some regions, which China welcomes.

The countries of the world are interconnected and interdependent. Humankind has a shared destiny. The United Nations is the most universal and authoritative intergovernmental international organization. The EU has a wealth of experience in conflict prevention and peacekeeping and is an important force for peace in the world. The United Nations and the EU should strengthen cooperation and make even more positive contributions to world peace, stability and development.

First, they should vigorously promote multilateralism. The international situation is undergoing multiple and complex changes. Anti-globalization and conservative thinking are on the rise. Parties should jointly safeguard the international order and the collective security mechanism, with the United Nations at its centre. They should strengthen the United Nations central role and status in international affairs. The United Nations and the EU should jointly champion a concept of global governance featuring consultations, collaboration and benefit-sharing so as to jointly promote international peace, regional stability and global development.

Secondly, they should cultivate a harmonious and stable international security environment. In view of the complex and grave international security challenges they face, the United Nations and the EU should strengthen their cooperation, establish a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and jointly push parties to abandon zero-sum thinking so as to achieve win-win results for both sides, multiple sides and everyone. Parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, respect the sovereign equality of countries and the development paths chosen independently by them, resolve disputes peacefully through such diplomatic means as dialogue, mediation and good offices, and jointly promote global security governance in a coordinated manner.

Thirdly, it is important to vigorously promote sustainable international economic and social development. Countries face the common task of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Developing countries are faced with unique difficulties and challenges. With its economic development advantages, the European Union should, in view of the developing needs of developing countries, provide more funding and technical support in key fields so as to help those countries achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals at an early date.

China attaches great importance to its relationship with the EU and has all along supported the integration process of Europe. We welcome a united, stable and prosperous Europe. China stands ready — through the One Belt, One Road initiative, the China-EU Cooperation Mechanism and other platforms — to deepen the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and, along with Europe, jointly push for new results in the four partnerships — for peace, growth, reform and civilization — so as to jointly make a new and even greater contribution to the promotion of world peace, stability and prosperity.

(UN Photo/Manuel Elias)