Mr. President,

I wish to thank Ambassador Michael Gaffey, Chair of the UNCC Governing Council, for his briefing, and I thank the Governing Council of UNCC for the enormous work they have done. I welcome the presence of Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and the representative of Kuwait at today’s meeting.

China welcomes the decision adopted by the UNCC Governing Council at its special session on February 9, and takes note of its final report submitted to the Security Council. Over the past 31 years, the number of cases handled by UNCC, their scope and complexity had been extremely rare. The final completion of the UNCC’s work is of great significance. We welcome the resolution the Security Council has just unanimously adopted, reaffirming that Iraq has fulfilled its international obligations to compensate all claimants awarded compensation by the Commission, and deciding to terminate the mandate of the Commission.

China appreciates the fact that the Government of Iraq has overcome enormous difficulties, and completed the relevant compensation in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the decision of the UNCC. The Iraqi people, like the people of Kuwait, are victims of the erroneous policies of the previous Iraqi regime. They have suffered immensely as a result of more than a decade of international sanctions, the 2003 war that circumvented this Council’s authorization, and the subsequent foreign occupation. The international community should actively help Iraq rebuild its infrastructure, accelerate economic and social development, and enable the Iraqi people to live again in peace and happiness.

We appreciate Kuwait's constructive participation in the relevant work of the UNCC and its communication with the Government of Iraq to ensure the smooth progress of the compensation process. As noted in the UNCC report, the Gulf War historically caused a massive environmental disaster. The international community should also continue to provide strong support for Kuwait’s remediation and restoration projects.

At a new starting point, we sincerely hope that Iraq and Kuwait will further develop future-oriented good neighborliness and friendship, deepen cooperation, improve the well-being of the two peoples, and jointly promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. President.