President,

At the outset, I would like to thank you for the words of welcome and friendship, and I look forward to working closely with you all. I thank Malta for its initiative to convene this open debate and Foreign Minister Ian Borg for coming to New York to preside over this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, Secretary-General Nasser Kamel, and Ms. Sarra Messaoudi for their briefings.

The world today is far from being tranquil, and the Mediterranean region also faces complex security challenges. Some regional countries are suffering from severe domestic tensions, persistent social unrest, and multiple non-traditional security challenges, all of which are threatening regional stability and people’s livelihoods. Malta’s initiative for the Council to discuss security threats in the Mediterranean with special emphasis on the role of the youth is of positive significance. China believes we should focus on the following four areas. 

First, to end regional conflict as soon as possible. Looking around the Mediterranean region, the Gaza conflict is the most pressing challenge. More than six months of conflict have claimed the lives of more than 34,000 people. Countless young people have fallen under the rubble and are mourning the loss of their loved ones. They could have become teachers, doctors, and engineers, backbones of society, but the relentless fighting has devoured their lives, destroyed their homes, and ended their hopes for the future. “To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” is the purpose of the UN, and it is the responsibility of the Security Council to restore peace to the youth in Gaza. It is imperative to fully implement Council Resolution 2728 and achieve an immediate ceasefire. It is also imperative to lift the blockade on Gaza to expand humanitarian access and give the population basic means of survival. There will only be regional peace and development when every young person enjoys security and dignity. 

Second, to address the issue of refugees and migrants. The issue is grim in the Mediterranean with over 3,000 people, including many young people, having died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean last year. China supports efforts to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking based on the Council's mandate while complying with the norms of international law and protecting the human rights and the fundamental rights of the refugees and migrants, thereby preventing the recurrence of tragedies at the sea. If there were other alternatives, no one would like to be uprooted. Accelerating growth for underdeveloped regions so that people can live and work happily can eliminate the root causes of refugees and migrants. We call on developed countries to increase their support and assistance to developing countries, so as to help them improve their economy and people’s livelihoods. 

Third, to eradicate the scourge of terrorism. Terrorist organizations such as Daesh are mobilizing young people in North Africa, the Sahel, and Syria to engage in violent activities, and they are roaming across borders posing a threat to the stability of the Mediterranean region as a whole. The international community should support regional countries in their counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen border control and law enforcement cooperation, and reduce the harms of drug trafficking and illegal arms sales on young people. The UN should provide more support for the disarmament and demobilization of ex-combatants in the countries concerned and for the reintegration of young people affected by conflicts. As Secretary-General Guterres has repeatedly emphasized, terrorism cannot be eradicated by security means alone. We must focus on sustainable economic and social development and break the vicious cycle of poverty breeding terrorism. Greater focus should be given to youth education and employment, so as to cut off the infiltration of extremist ideology, culture of violence, and hate speech among young people.

Fourth, to promote exchanges and dialogue among civilizations. The Mediterranean Sea connects the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe, and has nurtured diverse civilizations. In the face of complex security challenges in the region, exchanges, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations, ethnic groups, and religions can help promote understanding and resolve differences and conflicts. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respect for the diversity of world civilizations and the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. We support Mediterranean countries in advancing dialogue among civilizations, enhancing connectivity among their peoples, and working together to tackle common challenges. We encourage the youth from Mediterranean countries to be at the forefront of this endeavor and to play an important role. We also expect cooperation and exploration in this area will bring more insights and inspirations to promoting dialogue among civilizations on a global scale, to solving thorny issues of the world, and to advancing the peaceful development of humanity. 

Thank you, President.