At the outset, I wish to welcome Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mr. Rassoul for his presence at this meeting, and I thank him for his statement. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. De Mistura for his briefing.

Through the efforts of the Afghan Government and people, progress has been made in the Afghan peace and reconstruction process. The results are encouraging. However, challenges also lie ahead. The security situation in Afghanistan remains unstable. Terrorist attacks occur from time to time. Economic development is slow. Realizing comprehensive stability and reconstruction will be a long process. It requires the unremitting efforts of the Afghan Government and people. It also needs the continued support and assistance of the international community. In that regard, I would like to underscore the following five points.

First, China is seriously concerned about the worsening security situation and the increasing number of civilian casualties. We hope that, in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Afghan Government, the parties concerned will earnestly assume the responsibilities to help Afghanistan strengthen its security capacity-building in order to ensure a peaceful and stable transition.

Secondly, China supports Afghanistan in its continued efforts to push through the Kabul process. In order to achieve Afghan peace, stability and development, there is a need to fully respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity so as to genuinely achieve an Afghanistan run by Afghans.

Thirdly, China supports the peace and reintegration programme led by the Afghan Government. In China, we express our shock and condolences at the tragic death of former President of Afghanistan Professor Rabbani following the attack on him and condemn the attack. China fully respects the Afghan Government and people in their choice of their own accord and hopes to see progress in its peace and reintegration programme.

Fourthly, the international community must support Afghanistan in its comprehensive economic and social development. Parties need to deliver and meet their commitments to assist Afghanistan. The priorities identified by Afghan themselves in the context of the Afghan National Development Strategy must also be respected and implemented. The relevant initiatives for Afghan economic reconstruction will be seriously considered. We believe that we need to fully heed the views of the Afghan Government and people and to respect their sovereignty and ownership. Regional countries must become involved and their views be fully taken into account. The relevant initiatives need to be implemented on the basis of full consultations and consensus among the parties.

Fifthly, China appreciates the active efforts of the United Nations to push through the Afghan peace and reconstruction process. China supports the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in its continued leading role in coordinating aid to support the Afghan peace and reconstruction. We hope that UNAMA will strengthen its communication, coordination and cooperation with the Afghan Government.

As a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, China is consistently committed to good-neighbourliness and friendship between the two countries. China attaches importance to and actively participates in the Afghan reconstruction process. China will continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan within its capabilities, and will work with the international community to contribute to an early achievement of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.