President, 

I welcome the presence of Foreign Minister Laura Camila Sarabia Torres of Colombia at today’s meeting. I thank Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. I have listened attentively to the statement by the civil society representative. 

Since the signing of the 2016 peace agreement, the government and people of Colombia have worked hard to advance its implementation, setting an example for peace-consolidation and peace-building. As the implementation of the agreement enters uncharted waters, difficulties and challenges have gradually emerged. We trust that, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, all parties in Colombia will overcome the difficulties and obstacles with renewed confidence and resolve and ultimately achieve stability, peace, and development throughout the country. I would like to make the following points. 

First, staying committed to promoting the peace process. Under the peace agreement, the measures to address structural problems and produce transformative effects are long-term in nature, and require patience and perseverance to secure sustained progress. China supports President Petro’s decision to prioritize the implementation of the peace agreement for the remainder of his term. We hope that all parties in Colombia will unite in purpose and action and overcome challenges to work tirelessly to implement the agreement. China commends the government’s commitment to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue and consultation, and supports all parties in the country in prioritizing the interests of the people and enhancing the effectiveness of dialogue, so as to achieve more progress. 

Second, accelerating efforts to promote national development. Comprehensive rural reform is a top priority for the implementation of the peace agreement and an important pillar of Colombia’s national development. China applauds the government’s multi-pronged approach to rural reform, including accelerating land adjudication and formalization and implementing the development programs with a territorial focus and the national plan for rural reform. The Secretary-General’s report notes that progress in rural reform has fallen short of expectations. China encourages the Colombian government to increase input and strengthen coordination to expedite rural reform and unleash development dividends. 

Third, stepping up efforts to improve the security situation. The SG’s report has pointed to a worrying security situation in many parts of the country. The violence in Catatumbo earlier this year has caused serious harm to the population and had a negative impact on the peace process. We support the Colombian government in beefing up security deployment, strengthening effective control over conflict-affected and remote regions, ensuring the safety of the population, protecting vulnerable groups, including ex-combatants, ethnic minorities, women and children, and preventing the recurrence of similar violence. 

President, 

Under the stewardship of SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia has played a unique role in supporting the local peace process. China supports the Mission in continuing to implement its mandate, striving for visible results of the Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process, and contributing more to Colombia’s efforts towards peace and development. 

Thank you, President.