Mr. Chair, 

I thank Ghana for taking the initiative to convene this meeting. I have also listened carefully to the briefers. 

At present, the international situation has seen a further rise in instability and uncertainty. More than ever before, the UN and regional organizations need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to maintain common security. I would like to make the following observations. 

First is to respect the regional approach. Regional organizations have a unique influence in the region, and they have a unique advantage in addressing regional challenges. The AU, ECOWAS, and other African regional and sub-regional organizations have promoted the implementation of the Silencing the Guns in Africa Initiative. The LAS has actively promoted the resolution of hotspot issues in the Middle East such as Palestine, Israel, and Libya. And CARICOM has actively promoted the political process in Haiti. The UN and the international community should actively support regional organizations, and respect their ownership and leadership. Regional organizations and regional countries should adhere to their independence, and take ownership of their own future. 

Second is to achieve common security. Whether in Europe, Middle East, the Horn of Africa, or the Great Lakes region, regional countries are neighbors that cannot be moved away. They have equal, inseparable, and interdependent security interests with each other. The legitimate security concerns of regional countries should be given equal attention. Disputes among regional countries should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. The security of one country should not be compromised at the expense of that of other countries. China proposed a peaceful development initiative in the Horn of Africa, and held the first Horn of Africa peace conference to enhance dialogue among regional countries and promote peaceful development together. 

Third is to strengthen capacity building. Affected by the pandemic and the spillover of geopolitical conflicts, many regional organizations are facing the problem of insufficient capacity and limited resources. On the one hand, the AU and sub-regional organizations are facing regional hotspots, terrorism, and other security threats. On the other hand, they are under pressure from shrinking international aid and resource inputs, and are unable to obtain timely and effective financial and technical support. The UN and the international community should provide more support to the AU and other regional organizations in training, institutional building, logistical assistance, and funding support to help them improve their comprehensive capacity in governance, development, and security. Special efforts are needed to help AU peace operations obtain predictable and sustainable funding. The Security Council should timely adjust the lifting of arms embargoes on Sudan, South Sudan, the CAR, Somalia, the DRC, and other African countries in light of the changing situation, and create conditions for these countries to improve their security capabilities. 

China is actively promoting projects in peace and security under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to enhance Africa’s capacity in maintaining peace and security. We would like to work with all parties to contribute to the realization of peace and stability on the African continent. 

I thank you, Mr. Chair.