President, 

I thank Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva for her briefing. I also listened attentively to the statement by Ms. Azadah Raz Mohammad.

Today, Afghanistan remains largely stable with a steadily improving economy and dynamic external relations, but the country also faces multiple challenges in humanitarian areas, development, terrorist threats, women's rights and interests, among others. I wish to stress the following points. 

First, maintaining the engagement momentum with the Afghan interim government. Last year saw an increasing number of countries conducting dialogue and cooperation with the interim government, lending strong support to the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. China supports the international community in cementing mutual trust with the interim government and addressing each other's concerns through dialogue. China reiterates that the Council should reinstate its package of exemptions to the travel ban imposed on the relevant personnel of the Afghan interim government, and timely adjust the 1988 sanctions regime, so as to facilitate the external engagement of the interim government. 

Second, bolstering humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The Secretary-General's report indicates that nearly 23 million Afghan people require humanitarian assistance, and close to 15 million people are acutely food insecure, while merely 3.5% of this year's humanitarian funding has been received. Major traditional donors have abruptly paused or reduced their aid to Afghanistan, seriously impacting its healthcare, education, and food and agriculture systems, and making the already difficult life of the Afghan people even more precarious. We call on traditional donors, especially those historically responsible for the problems of the country, to resume and increase their aid to Afghanistan and desist from using humanitarian aid as a bargaining chip to exert political pressure. 

Third, strengthening the commitment to the development of Afghanistan. The Afghan economy managed to grow by 2.7% last year. However, the foundation remains shaky, and the potential for development is yet to be unlocked. It is necessary that all parties continue bilateral, multilateral, and regional cooperation in support of Afghanistan's economic recovery, including rebuilding its banking system and provide more resources for its development. The overseas assets of the Afghan central bank are the valuable wealth belonging to the Afghan people. The United States should unconditionally unfreeze and return all of them to Afghanistan. 

Fourth, guaranteeing the fundamental rights and interests of all Afghan people. The morality law promulgated by Afghanistan has been widely scrutinized. We hope that the Afghan side will take the legitimate international concerns seriously and effectively respect women's equal rights to education, employment, and public life. Having said that, it is important to note that women's rights and interests are not the only problem facing the country, still less a root cause of its current challenges. There is a need to support its economic and social development as a way to create favorable conditions for women's rights and interests, while guiding Afghanistan to shift its policies through dialogue. 

Fifth, resolutely countering terrorism. China calls on the interim government to continue countering all terrorist forces, including Da’esh, Al-Qaida, and ETIM/TIP, to eradicate the breeding ground for terrorism. All countries should abandon their geopolitical calculation and ideological biases and reject double standards and selectivity to safeguard the greater good of international counter-terrorism cooperation. 

President, 

Under the stewardship of Special Representative Otunbayeva, UNAMA has continued advancing the Doha process, facilitated the dialogue between various interlocutors and the Afghan interim government, and actively helped the country cope with its humanitarian and development plight. China commends UNAMA for those efforts. We support the renewal of UNAMA's mandate, and we hope that UNAMA will effectively play its bridge-building role, keep improving the understanding and trust between various parties and the interim government, and make greater contributions to the peace and reconstruction of Afghanistan. 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Afghanistan diplomatic relations. Over the past seven decades, no matter how the international landscape has evolved, China and Afghanistan have always maintained good neighborliness and friendship and stood in solidarity with each other. Under the current circumstances, China remains committed to respecting the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, respecting the independent choice of the Afghan people, and respecting the religious beliefs and national customs of the country. China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never pursues any selfish gains in Afghanistan, and never seeks to build a so-called sphere of influence. China has always been action-oriented in supporting the country's peace, stability, development, and prosperity. We stand ready to work with all sides to strengthen Council unity and consensus to make greater contributions to addressing the Afghan issue. 

Thank you, President.