President,

I welcome the presence of Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo at today's meeting. 

China welcomes the Council's unanimous adoption of Resolution 2754 extending the mandate of the UNVMC for one year. This once again reflects the firm confidence and strong support of the Council and that of the international community for the peace process in Colombia. 

The resolution urges all Colombian parties to unite and cooperate in the full and sustained implementation of the peace agreement, and emphasizes that advancing rural reform and promoting rural development are essential to eliminate the structural factors underlying the conflict. China recognizes the great efforts made by the Colombian Government to coordinate with all parties to implement the agreement, especially in the area of development for peace. We hope and believe that that rapid response plan formulated by the Colombian Government can be effectively implemented, so as to continuously bring about the benefits of peace and development. 

The resolution welcomes the Colombian Government's efforts to achieve broader peace through dialogue, and hopes that a ceasefire will soon be restored between the Colombian Government and the ELN. The resolution reiterates its willingness to consider an expansion of the Mission's mandate after a ceasefire agreement can be reached between the Government and the EMC. China hopes that the relevant negotiations will proceed smoothly to effectively improve the security situation and expand the scope of peace. 

The resolution recognizes the Mission for the important role it has played in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement and the promotion of dialogue and negotiations. China will continue to support the Mission and SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu in effectively discharging their duties. China expects the Mission to strengthen its communication and coordination with all Colombian parties and make greater contributions to supporting the peace process in Colombia. 

China is ready to work with the international community to continue to support the Colombian-led, Colombian-owned peace process and to help the Colombian people move forward towards the goal of comprehensive peace, stability, and development, so as to build a model of diffusing conflicts through dialogue and a model of development for peace.

I thank you, President.