I thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Inzko, for his briefing.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important country in the Balkans. It is in the interests of the international community in general, and of regional States in particular, that it maintains peace and stability, advances coordinated socioeconomic development and achieves harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups. The international community should take a balanced and prudent approach on the question of Bosnia and Herzegovina and pay attention to and heed the views and concerns of all parties concerned.

China welcomes the achievement by Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing national reconciliation, promoting economic development and strengthening the rule of law. We have noted that the country is still faced by difficulties and challenges in its pursuit of national stability and development. We hope that Bosnian people of all ethnicities will work actively to consolidate the results of the political process, engage in dialogue to settle their differences, comprehensively implement the Dayton Peace Agreement and continue to strive for greater progress in all areas so that Bosnian people of all ethnicities can share in the peace dividend.

China respects the independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We respect the choice made by the Bosnian people with regard to the future of their country, and we support Bosnian people of all ethnicities in living harmoniously and seeking development together. We welcome the efforts by High Representative Inzko to promote the political process of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We hope that, according to his mandate, he will continue to play a positive role in promoting the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

China welcomes the adoption of resolution 2315 (2016), which extends the mandate of EUFOR ALTHEA, the EU-led peacekeeping force. We hope that EUFOR ALTHEA will continue to maintain close cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and play a constructive role in maintaining the peace and stability of the country. China is willing to work with the international community and continue to contribute to the realization of the lasting peace, stability and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.