Madame President,

I thank Special Representative Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing, and welcome the representatives of Iraq and Kuwait to today’s meeting.

During the reporting period, the Iraqi Government smoothly completed Governorate Council elections and took concrete steps to promote economic reform, fight corruption, create jobs and improve public services. China appreciate this. Iraqi factions enhancing solidarity, achieving reconciliation and striving for development serve the fundamental interests of the Iraqi people. We support the central government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to continue to strengthen dialogue and consultation on outstanding issues and seek sustainable solutions. We support Iraq to develop good neighborly relations with countries of the region and support Iraq and Kuwait in making steady headway in search for missing Kuwaiti nationals and property.

Since its inception in 2003, UNAMI has made important contributions to the reconstruction and development of Iraq. Given the steadily improving domestic situation in Iraq and the growing governance capacity of the Iraqi government, UNAMI should, in light of the evolving situation in Iraq, make timely adjustments. We look forward to the Secretary General’s independent strategic review of UNAMI in accordance with Security Council resolution 2682, fully heed the views of the Iraqi government and propose recommendations on streamlining and optimizing the mission’s mandate and rationalizing the allocation of personnel and resources. The Security Council should, on the premise of fully respecting the sovereignty and aspiration of the country concerned, carefully look into the future of the mission.

For some time now, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has continued to escalate. Iraq has also been affected by spillover effects, with multiple attacks taking place inside the country. The security situation is indeed worrying. We call on all parties, especially major countries with influence, to respect the sovereignty, independence. and territorial integrity of Iraq, exercise calm and restraint, refrain from acts that exacerbate tensions, and play a constructive role in deescalating the situation.

Thank you, Madam President.