Mr. President,

I thank USG Lacroix and Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their briefings. and welcome the presence of the representatives of Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

At present, the situation in Abyei is stable on the whole, which is inseparable from the efforts of Sudan, South Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations. Both Sudan and South Sudan have made positive progress in their domestic political processes, creating a favorable atmosphere for the political settlement of the Abyei issue. In connection with the two briefings, I wish to highlight the following:

First, all parties should work together towards a political settlement. Sudan and South Sudan have the ownership over the Abyei question, and are expected to increase inputs into its solution by making speedy progress in establishing a joint institution. China supports the use of mediation efforts. Peaceful coexistence between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya is the inevitable course towards maintaining stability in Abyei and resolving its final status. It is imperative to safeguard the rights and interests of the two communities and promote dialogue in accordance with historical traditions, the agreements between the two countries, and the will of the two communities.

Second, humanitarian aid and development hold the key to solving the current crisis. Abyei has been plagued by weak infrastructure, harsh living conditions populations displacements of the tens of thousands, and the huge gaps in humanitarian needs only to be exacerbated by COVID-19. The international community should provide targeted assistance to help strengthen local health and education capacity building, increasing investment in infrastructure development and help the local people effectively fight the pandemic.

Third, UNISFA is an important force for peace and stability in Abyei. China hopes that the governments of both Sudan and South Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations will strengthen consultation, eliminate differences on the drawdown of UNISFA and continue to fully leverage the positive role of the United Nations. UNISFA faces considerable security risks, and medical evacuation is the weakest link. Both the member states and the Secretariat should provide adequate resources to strengthen its medical capacity building, and the governments of Sudan and South Sudan are expected to provide the necessary facilities to this end.

Thank you, Mr. President.