I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Mindaoudou, for her briefing and welcome Foreign Minister Amon-Tanoh to today’s meeting.

China congratulates Côte d’Ivoire on its election as a non-permanent member of the Council for the 2018-2019 term and looks forward to intensifying cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in international affairs with a view to making joint contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security. In recent years, under the leadership of President Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed political stability and sustained economic and social development, which China commends.

Last year, during China’s presidency of the Security Council, the Council adopted resolutions on the drawdown of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and the comprehensive lifting of sanctions against Côte d’Ivoire. That fully reflected the affirmation of the Council and of the international community that there had been considerable improvement in the situation in Côte d’Ivoire. Since 2004, UNOCI has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the country. China commends the contribution of UNOCI and the positive efforts of Special Representative Mindaoudou since she assumed office. Following the closure of UNOCI, China hopes that the international community will continue to strengthen cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire with a view to helping the country achieve sustained peace, stability and development.

United Nations peacekeeping operations are an important means of maintaining international peace and security. UNOCI’s successful experience is worth studying with a view to drawing lessons from it. Based on developments in the situation on the ground, China believes that the United Nations peacekeeping operation should make timely adjustments to its scale ahead of its final drawdown and closure. Meanwhile, it is imperative to fully respect the will of the host country and enhance coordination with countries in the region, as well as regional and subregional organizations.

Nine out of the sixteen United Nations peacekeeping missions are located in Africa. Peace and stability in Africa matter greatly to international peace and security. China has consistently supported Africa in resolving African issues through African means, as well as regional and subregional organizations, such as the African Union, in playing an active role in resolving local issues. China stands ready to work with the international community to provide ownership and capacity-building assistance to Africa so as to make greater contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security.

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