Mr. President,

China welcomes the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Marta Lucía Ramírez, Vice President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia at today's meeting. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. I've also listened carefully to the statements by civil society representatives.

In the past five years since the signing of the Colombian peace agreement, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Colombian Government and all parties, the peace agreement has been steadily implemented, the peace process continues to be advanced, and remarkable results have been achieved. China welcomes the Colombian Government's creation of special transitional electoral districts, which gives people in previously conflict-affected areas the opportunity to participate in national elections for the first time. This is important progress in the implementation of the peace agreement. We commend the efforts made by all Colombian parties in this connection. I look forward to the successful holding of congressional and presidential elections next year which will create an enabling environment for the follow-up implementation of the peace agreement.

The comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement is a complex and systematic project that requires the Colombian government and all parties to make unremitting efforts and sustained inputs, and consolidate hard-won achievements. We have noted that there is still a gap between the progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and the expected goals. A lot more needs to be done in some parts of the country to improve the security situation, protect the safety and security of former combatants and allocate land to them, among others.

We hope that the Colombian Government and all parties will work together to maintain the current positive momentum, promote the implementation of the peace agreement in a balanced manner, and boost the confidence and support of all sectors of society for the peace process. China supports Colombia in deepening rural and land reforms, and accelerating the reintegration of ex-combatants into society. Public services need to be further improved. The replacement of illicit crops cultivation and other projects that benefit the people need to be carried out in an all-out manner. All these efforts will create a solid economic and social foundation for the long-term peace and stability of Colombia.

Mr. President,

The UN Verification Mission in Colombia has done a tremendous amount of work to support the implementation of the peace agreement. China commends this and supports the extension of the Mission’s mandate. We hope that the Mission will facilitate greater dialogue and consultation between the Colombian Government and former combatants to resolve differences and problems arising in the implementation of the peace agreement. At the same time, the Mission should strengthen with the UN country team and play a positive role in the early achievement of lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in Colombia.

Thank you, Mr. President.