Mr. President,

I thank SRSG for Central Africa Mr. Fall for his briefing. Based on the briefing and the SG report, I wish to make the following comments.

First, we must continue to support the efforts by the countries in the region to prioritize their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, countries in Central Africa have adopted strict measures and have implemented ECCAS coordinated regional strategy. As a result, the pandemic has been alleviated. That said, this pandemic is still spreading globally and regional cooperation should by no means be relaxed. UNOCA must help countries in the region in joint prevention and control and promote cooperation in information sharing, testing methods and clinical treatment. China has provided the region with multiple shipments of anti-pandemic supplies, and has dispatched medical experts to DRC, Sao Tome and Principe, and Angola. We remain committed to offering further assistance in this regard.

Second, we must further support countries in central Africa in the economic recovery and development. Central Africa is seriously affected by the pandemic and facing increasing downward risk. The international community has the obligation to help them maintain macroeconomic stability, expand job opportunities and ensure a secure and smooth industrial chain and supply chain. China has been actively implementing the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and has honored the largest amount in this regard among G20 members. With concrete efforts we have helped Cameroon, the DRC, Angola and other countries in the region overcome difficulties. It is our hope that UNOCA will urge the developed countries and multilateral financial agencies to speed up actions and honor their commitments at an early date so as to genuinely alleviate the debt burden of the region.

Third, we must remain committed to supporting national efforts in safeguarding peace. The overall stability in Central Africa is a result of the concerted efforts of the countries in the region. However, it must be noted that Boko Haram and LRA are still active in the region, while piracy in the Gulf of Kenya remains rampant. The international community must take actions in support of regional fight against terrorism and organized crimes. In so doing it is imperative to respect at all times national sovereignty and ownership. With multiple elections to be held this year and next year, UNOCA can provide upon request of the countries concerned technical support and assistance in kind. The question of the southwest and northwest of Cameroon falls into domestic affairs of the country. We are convinced that the government of Cameroon is able to handle it properly and maintain national stability. The CAR government is faced With arduous task of security capacity. China continues to call upon the Council to lift its arms embargo against CAR at an early date.

Fourth, we must continue to support regional integration in Central Africa. ECCAS has pushed for institutional reforms, established ECCAS Commission, and launched regional peace and security framework, thus making solid strides in regional integration. UNOCA must facilitate good neighborly relations and deepen economic integration in the region. Implementation of the 2030 agenda must be integrated into regional and national development strategies. We hope that UNOCA will strengthen communication and coordination with other relevant UN agencies, sub-regional organizations and the AU, leverage respective advantages and form synergy with a view to promoting regional stability and prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. President.