President, 

I thank Deputy Special Representative Stephanie Koury and Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, chair of the Libya sanctions committee, for their briefings. I have also listened carefully to the statement by Ms. Hala Bugaighis. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting. In the context of the recent developments in Libya, I would like to make the following points. 

First, strengthening dialogue and consultation to break the political impasse. The peaceful reconstruction of Libya is now at a critical stage, and the promotion of political transition is an important cornerstone for ensuring its long-term peace and stability. Recently, the High National Election Commission has been actively advancing local elections. Relevant parties have reached consensus on the appointment of a new central bank governor, while staying committed to easing tensions. All these are commendable efforts. We call on all parties to continue to adhere to the general direction of a political settlement, strengthen dialogue and consultation, and garner more consensus on the early resumption of political negotiations and establishing unified state institutions. 

This week, the leaders of the Republic of Congo, Mauritania, and the AU will lead a mission to Libya to engage with the parties. The visit is expected to play a positive role in enhancing dialogue, rebuilding trust, and bridging differences. The international community should continue to support efforts to seek African solutions to African problems and promote a political settlement to the Libyan issue. We call for the respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Libya, and reiterate our appeal that external armed forces and mercenaries be withdrawn from Libya as soon as possible in a smooth and orderly manner. 

Second, easing antagonism and confrontation and maintaining security and stability. Libya has experienced a long period of civil war and conflict with a seriously divided security structure, and some of the recent unilateral actions have worsened the fragile security situation. China calls on all Libyan parties to put the interest of the country and the people first, remain rational and restraint, continue to strictly comply with the ceasefire agreement, implement the consensus of the 5+5 joint military commission, and work together to safeguard the hard-won detente. 

The military intervention by external forces in Libya 13 years ago led to multiple grave consequences and provided a breeding ground for the spread of terrorism, from which the regional countries continue to suffer to this date. Last month, Mr. Mohammad Al-Manfi, Chair of the Libyan Presidential Council, at the general debate of the GA, spoke about the current challenges of terrorism his country faces. We call on all parties to pay attention to this issue and continue to provide support to Libya in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts and maintaining border security. 

Third, focusing on humanitarian challenges and improving people’s livelihood. Affected by continued political instability, the deterioration of economic situation, and other factors, hundreds of thousands of Libyans are in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Illegal immigration, the conflict in Sudan, flooding, and other natural disasters have further worsened the humanitarian situation. The international community should continue to scale up humanitarian assistance to Libya and provide more constructive support for its development and rebuilding. China welcomes the recent consensus reached by the Libyan parties through consultations on the reopening of oil fields and ports. We support Libya to utilize its oil resources well and use oil revenues to improve people’s well-beings. At the same time, the Council should pay effective attention to the concerns of the Libyan authorities regarding frozen assets abroad and work out a solution as soon as possible to protect Libyan people from losing their wealth. 

President, 

China supports UNSMIL to play its due role in mediating the Libyan issue and make greater effort to advance political transition and achieve lasting peace in Libya. At present, the Council is conducting consultations on the mandate renewal of UNSMIL. China is ready to engage constructively and work towards consensus among all parties. 

I thank you, President.