Thank you Mr. President,

I thank SRSG Ms. Zerrougui and Mr. Usseni for your briefings.

The situation in DRC is closely connected with peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region and the whole African continent. Since the election of 2019, DRC has went through peaceful political transition. However, with complex situation in Eastern DRC and emerging threat posed by Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic, the DRC government is facing with great challenges. I would like to share three points with you:

First, we are encouraged by the stability of the vast majority in DRC territories. It provides a window of opportunity for the coalition government to strengthen coordination, and to focus on addressing the threat posed by the ADF armed groups and intercommunal violence in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. We welcome measures already taken by DRC authorities to neutralize armed groups, improve political dialogue, and pursue socio-economic development. As noted in the Secretary-General’s report, it requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond military intervention and seeks to address the root causes of recurring cycles of violence. We commend the positive roles played by MONUSCO and the SESG for the Great lakes region in supporting non-military measures to promote the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process.

Second, we welcome MONUSCO’s efforts to adapt to the changing environment in the DRC. We acknowledge MONUSCO’s increased security through intensified presence and patrols in volatile provinces. We hope that MONUSCO can continue to deepen dialogue and cooperation with the DRC government, including through conducting of joint military operations. As of now, presence of MONUSCO is indispensable to the peace and security of the DRC. We encourage the UN Secretariat and MONUSCO to strengthen coordination with the DRC government on the transition strategy for a gradual, responsible and sustainable exit of MONUSCO.

Third, we support to strengthen safety and security of peacekeepers of MONUSCO. We are saddened by the death of one MONUSCO peacekeeper and the injury of another on June 22. Please allow me to join others in expressing sincere condolences to the family and home country of the lost Indonesian peacekeeper. We condemn in the strongest terms all acts of violence against United Nations peacekeeping personnel. Peacekeeping operations are faced with increasing complex environment and challenges. We must treat the safety and security of peacekeepers with greater urgency. We call on all parties to implement resolution 2518 on Safety and Security of Peacekeepers, taking concrete measures to safeguard our peacekeepers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on DRC’s public health and socio-economic development. China calls for positive response to Secretary-General’s Global Ceasefire Appeal. International support and coordinated efforts by countries in the region to fight against the pandemic are crucial. China has offered its hand to DRC and countries in the region in various forms, providing medical supplies, sharing experience and assisting with commercial procurement. On June 17th, President Tshisekedi attended the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19. We will continue to support the government and people of DRC to win the battle against COVID-19.

Last but not the least, China wishes to reaffirm its strong support to MONUSCO and SRSG Zerrougui in delivering their mandate. We are willing to join hands with other international partners to support DRC in creating a future of peace, security, and prosperity.

Thank you Mr. President.