Mr. President, 

I welcome to today's meeting Mr. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 

The United Nations' cooperation with regional and sub-regional organizations is clearly spelled out in the UN Charter. Such cooperation is an important manifestation of multilateralism and the general expectation of the international community. Today, the world finds itself in the throes of turmoil and is facing unprecedented changes. The United Nations, as the core of the international system, thus assumes a more prominent mission and responsibility. And the European Union, an important force on the international stage, has also seen its role and contribution evermore present and visible. China supports cooperation between the UN and the EU in accordance with the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter, with a view to making greater contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security, enhancing the well-being of humanity, and addressing global challenges. We expect such cooperation to be guided by the following principles. 

First, true multilateralism. As an advocate of multilateralism, the EU should take the lead in upholding the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter, respecting international law and universally recognized basic norms of international relations, defending the multilateral system with the UN at its core, and promoting solidarity and progress among nations under the banner of multilateralism. 

Second, common security. Security is indivisible. The security of one country cannot be secured at the expense of the security of others. And equally, there is no ground for achieving regional security by strengthening or even expanding military blocs. The legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and properly addressed. The EU should work with the UN to promote the political solution of hotspot issues and to resolve conflicts and disputes by peaceful means. 

Third, a common future for mankind. In the face of changes unseen in a century, countries in the world should rise above their historical, cultural, geographic, and institutional differences, and work together to create a better future through win-win cooperation. The EU should work with other member states to promote consensus and action-oriented action at the Summit of the Future to be held later this year, so as to send a positive signal to the outside world about opening up new prospects for humankind. 

Mr. President, 

The crisis in Ukraine is a great challenge to European security. The ultimate resolution of this crisis must be through dialogue and negotiation. The EU, as an important stakeholder, should do more to promote the political solution and create favorable conditions to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture in Europe. 

The war in Gaza continues to rage, creating an unprecedented and worsening humanitarian catastrophe. To protect civilians, provide assistance, save lives, and restore peace is the common responsibility of the international community. We appreciate the positive efforts made by the European Union in this regard, and hope that the EU will leverage its influence and role to make greater contributions to the promotion of an immediate ceasefire, the expansion of humanitarian assistance, the implementation of the two-State solution, and the realization of lasting peace in the Middle East. 

Africa is facing growing challenges in pursuing peace and development. We hope the EU will shoulder greater responsibility, adhere to the principle of African solutions to African problems, and support African countries in strengthening capacity building to better address risks and challenges in realizing sustainable development. It is important to support the building of the AU collective security mechanism and provide more predictable and sustainable financial contributions to AU-led peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations. 

Mr. President, 

China has always attached great importance to the development of relations with the EU, as we regard the latter as an important force in the process of multi-polarization. We are pleased to see that the EU strengthens its strategic autonomy, plays a greater role in international affairs, and makes greater contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security. China will deepen its cooperation with the EU in the UN and other international fora, join hands in practicing multilateralism, advocating openness and development, promoting dialogue among civilizations, and make unremitting efforts to safeguard world peace, promote, promote common development, and strengthen global governance. 

Thank you, Mr. President.