Madam President, 

I welcome Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva Durán of Colombia at this meeting, and thank SRSG Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. I have also listened attentively to the statement by Ms. Yolanda Perea. 

Over the past year, all parties in Colombia have worked together to translate into action their firm determination to consolidate and build peace, and achieved more positive results in implementing the Final Peace Agreement and advancing “Total Peace”, which China commends. We are convinced that the new year will bring Colombia even greater achievement towards comprehensive peace, stability, and development. I would like to highlight the following three expectations. 

First, promoting new results in implementing the Final Peace Agreement. China commends the Colombian Government led by President Petro for giving priority to the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and for increasing investment in rural reform, land distribution, and reintegration of former combatants, so that the dividend of peace can benefit a larger population. The implementation of the Final Peace Agreement is more than halfway through. China hopes to see and supports the redoubled efforts by Colombia to remove obstacles and make strides in its full implementation. 

Second, promoting new progress in dialogue and negotiations. China welcomes the good results in the fifth round of peace talks between the Colombian Government and the ELN, and looks forward to the smooth progress in the peace talks between the Government and the EMC. We hope that all parties will observe the ceasefire agreements in real earnest, reduce conflict and violence, consolidate the achievements already scored from previous rounds of peace talks, and create more enabling atmosphere and conditions for future negotiations. 

Third, promoting new achievements in the security arena. According to the Secretary-General’s report, the Colombian people remain exposed to security threats, and violence and criminal activities remain an obstacle to the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. China supports the Colombian Government in further deploying security forces in former conflict areas in the absence of effective government control, and in taking effective measures to protect civilians, women, children, ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups in particular. 

Madam President,

The peace process in Colombia has set an example of conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, demonstrated the prospects of sustainable development for lasting peace, and provided useful reference for the Security Council in addressing other hotspot issues. China remains committed to lending its firm support to the Colombian-led, Colombian-owned peace process. We appreciate the work done and the important role played by the UNVMC under the leadership of SRSG Massieu and will continue to support the UNVMC and international and regional partners in injecting new impetus into the peace process in Colombia. Last but not least, I wish the Council every success in its visit to Colombia next month.

Thank you, Madam President.