Mr. President,

In October this year, the General Elections were held in Bosnia and Herzegovina which was peaceful a smooth. The post-election political situation remained stable, and the relevant disputes were properly resolved within the legal framework. This demonstrates the capability, willingness and determination of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain political stability and live in harmony. China appreciates and welcomes these developments. With the elections, the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina entered a new stage. China hopes that the parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina will maintain the current positive momentum, strengthen consultations, meet each other halfway and jointly promote the political agenda of the country.

For some time now, the use of the Bonn powers has become rather controversial in Bosnia and Herzegovina. China is concerned about it. The High Representative system and the Bonn Powers thereof are special arrangements of a special era. After all, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a sovereign country that needs to find a feasible path for independent and effective governance. We hope that the international community will act in a fair, balanced and prudent manner on the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina, fully respect the views and concerns of all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and avoid imposing external solutions. China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the Security Council and violate international law. We urge relevant countries to refrain from using union unilateral sanctions and other means to interfere in the internal affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since it has gotten affected by both the pandemic and the external security environment, Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing serious difficulties and challenges in its economic and social development. The inflation rate remains high, foreign investment has dropped significantly, and youth unemployment and population outflow have become very serious problems. The international community should increase its support and assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, pay more attention to the outflow of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially the youth population loss, and help Bosnia and Herzegovina meet development challenges. At the same time, Bosnia and Herzegovina should create a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign enterprises to operate there, which will help attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities for the local people and promote sustainable economic and social development in Bosnia Herzegovina.

China supports all efforts that are conducive to maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and appreciates the constructive roles played by Serbia, Croatia and other regional countries in this regard. China has just voted in favor of the resolution to renew the mandate of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We hope that EUFOR will continue to play a positive role in maintaining security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that China respects the sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, respects the choice of its people for the future of the country, and supports the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in solving problems with their own ability and wisdom. China stands ready to work with the international community to make positive contributions to achieving lasting peace, stability and development in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. Thank you, Mr. President.