(Photo by Li Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting. China listened carefully to the briefing by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Honoré.

Recently, Hurricane Matthew caused severe damage to Haiti, leaving hundreds of people dead or injured. China would like to express its sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of Haiti. We call on the international community to actively provide Haiti with humanitarian assistance, with a focus on health care, sanitation and the supply of drinking water in the disaster-affected areas so as to prevent the renewed outbreak of cholera and other epidemics. We hope that Haiti will overcome the difficulties caused by the hurricane as soon as possible, rebuild the damaged houses at an early date, gradually complete the political transition and embark on the road to stability and development.

Development is the fundamental way to enhance Haiti’s disaster resilience and recovery capacity. It is also the master key to the settlement of the issue of Haiti. We hope that the Haitian Government will strengthen planning, formulate development strategies aimed at addressing conditions in the country, accelerate the building of infrastructure, advance agriculture, tourism and other important sectors, promote the rule of law, improve the humanitarian situation and ensure that the interests of vulnerable groups are protected. The international community should promptly honor its assistance commitment, enhance targeted assistance and help the Haitian Government in enhancing its governance capacity so that Haiti will be able to stand on its own and achieve development at an early date.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Honoré, has played an important role in advancing the electoral process and maintaining security and stability in Haiti. China expresses its appreciation in that regard. China has always maintained that United Nations peacekeeping operations should be adjusted in the light of developments in the host countries, with the ultimate purpose of withdrawing. In view of the fact that the overall security situation in Haiti is improving and that the Haitian National Police has been growing, MINUSTAH should consider withdrawal at the appropriate time and not remain endlessly in Haiti. The Haitian Government should take upon itself the responsibility for maintaining its national security and stability. It is China’s hope that the Secretariat and the Haitian Government will strengthen communication and assess the situation in Haiti in a timely manner, while ensuring stability in Haiti and the smooth functioning of the new Government. Appropriate arrangements should be made regarding the future presence of the United Nations in Haiti.