I thank High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko for his briefing.

China respects the independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the choice of the Bosnian people in determining their country’s future. We support the efforts of Bosnian people of all ethnicities to live harmoniously and seek common development. We welcome the effort of the country to promote national reconciliation and economic and social development and strengthen the rule of law. We note that the country is still faces challenges in its pursuit of national stability and social development. We hope that Bosnian people of all ethnicities will work actively to consolidate the political and social progress achieved thus far, engage in dialogue to settle their differences, comprehensively implement the Dayton Peace Agreement and continue to strive for greater progress in all areas so that they may share in the peace dividend.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important country in the Balkans. Its stability and development, as well as harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups, is in the interests of the international community in general, and of the States of the region in particular. The international community should pay attention to the views of all the parties concerned and take a balanced and prudent approach to the country’s issues, while also heeding the concerns of all the parties concerned.

China welcomes the efforts by High Representative Inzko to promote the political process. We hope that, in accordance with his mandate, he will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We also hope that the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to work with the relevant parties to play a positive role in maintaining security and stability in the country. China is ready to work with the international community as a whole and will continue to contribute to the achievement of lasting peace, stability and development in the country.