I would like to thank Uruguay for convening today's meeting and Special Representative Ján Kubiš for his briefing.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Al Abadi, the Iraqi Government has made progress in promoting reform of Government institutions, facilitating national reconciliation, fighting terrorism, improving the humanitarian situation and advancing economic development, and China commends all those achievements. We hope that Iraq will be able to achieve national security and stability as soon as possible and that the Iraqi people will be able to lead peaceful, tranquil lives at an early date.

At present, Iraq is still dealing with an array of political, economic, humanitarian and counterterrorism challenges. The international community should continue to give greater attention to Iraq, enhance its engagement in the country, support all the parties involved in staying committed to resolving their differences appropriately through political dialogue, support the Iraqi Government in promoting national reconciliation throughout the country and support a continued role for the United Nations in providing good offices and coordination.

Since its establishment, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has played an important role in supporting the Iraqi Government in promoting an inclusive political dialogue, national reconciliation and reconstruction and coordinating international assistance. China supports the work of Special Representative Kubiš and appreciates the efforts of UNAMI. We hope that the international community will continue to support UNAMI in the implementation of its mandate.

China welcomes the Iraqi Government's efforts to maintain domestic stability. China supports the international community's efforts in that country by providing Iraq with assistance to fight terrorism. In the broader context of maintaining stability in the Middle East, the international community should enhance its coordination, adopt unified standards and respond forcefully so as to prevent terrorist organizations from threatening the region and beyond.

China appreciates Iraq's ongoing efforts to improve its relations with Kuwait and other regional countries, and encourages Iraq to work with relevant regional countries to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and consultations. At the same time, China hopes that those countries will fully respect Iraq's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and contribute to its stability and development.