China welcomes Mr. Lacroix in his new role us Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and thanks him for his briefing.

We welcome the participation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali, Mr. Diop, and thank the international mediation team, including Algeria, for its good offices.

We extend our deepest condolences for the death of a French soldier.

China supports efforts of the Government and the people of Mali to promote the peace process. We commend the resolve and action of the Government of Mali in implementing the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The establishment of interim authorities in northern Mali has seen progress recently. The joint patrols by the signatory parties to the peace agreement have begun, and the National Accord Conference was successfully held and adopted its final report, all of which China welcomes.

At the same time, the Mali peace process faces difficulties. Terrorist activities continue to spread, posing challenges to the political and security situation in Mali. The international community should actively support the peace and reconciliation process in order to achieve security, stability and social development. I should like to make the following points.

First, we must support Mali in accelerating the implementation of the peace agreement. We welcome the commitments of the signatory parties to the peace agreement that they will continue promoting the peace process. We hope that all parties will consolidate their achievements to date and actively advance inclusive political dialogue that encompasses all regions and ethnic groups, and accelerate their implementation of the provisions of the agreement so that peace and reconciliation can be realized as soon as possible. The international community should provide constructive support to peace and development in Mali. The Council’s actions should be conducive to maintaining the existing results of the peace process and mutual trust among all parties. China commends the work of the international mediation team in promoting peace talks among all parties in Mali, and hopes that the team will continue to play a positive role in the political process.

Secondly, we must help Mali to strengthen its security and counter-terrorism capacities. The international community should continue to assist Mali’s security forces so that they may strengthen their presence in the northern and central regions and gradually assume the responsibility to maintain national security. All parties should, upon request from the Malian Government, provide assistance in the areas of intelligence-collection, military training and ammunition and weapons management.

Terrorist activities in Mali are rampant and highly mobile across borders. This issue requires an integrated approach based on regional cooperation. China welcomes the decision of the Heads of State of the Group of Five for the Sahel countries to create joint counterterrorism forces for regional security. We call on the international community to support that decision. We support Africa in resolving African issues in African ways and jointly addressing the threat of terrorism.

Thirdly, we support the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). China commends MINUSMA’s unwavering efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation in Mali. We will continue to support MINUSMA. We hope that the Mission will pursue its coordination and cooperation with the host country and help Mali to strengthen capacity-building in the area of security and facilitate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.

MINUSMA is deployed in a complex and dangerous environment; the safety and security of peacekeepers is facing unique challenges, and there is a severe shortage of capacities, including equipment. We hope that MINUSMA will continue to strengthen security for personnel. We must ensure that MINUSMA has the equipment and resources required to carry out its mandate and defend itself, including through enhanced communication with troop contributing countries and donors.

China firmly honors its commitment to the Mali peace process. At present, there are some 400 Chinese peacekeepers in MINUSMA. China is ready to work with the international community to continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Mali and make our due contribution to lasting peace and stability and economic and social development in Mali.