Mr. President,

China thanks the Russian Federation for taking the initiative to convene this open meeting on a comprehensive review of the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, and is confident that the meeting will enhance understanding and consensus among all parties and contribute to de-escalating and stabilizing the regional situation. China welcomes Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Vasilievich Vershinin to New York to preside over this meeting, and thanks Secretary-General Guterres for his comprehensive briefing.

At present, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa is grave. Inter-state differences, sectarian disputes and ethnic conflicts are interactive. Wars, conflicts, terrorist threats and humanitarian disasters are intertwined. The complex hotspot issues, such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Libya, have been going simmering for years, defying solutions. The ongoing instability in the Middle East and North Africa is detrimental to the interests of the peoples of the region, with ramifications for world peace and development.

The countries of the region and the international community need to embrace the philosophy of common, integrated, cooperative and sustainable security and together build a community of a shared future and find a path to peace, stability, development and prosperity. China would like to make the following observations on how to solve the hot-spot issues in the region.

First, there is a need to pursue dialogue and consultations in a comprehensive effort to take forward the political settlement of hot-spot issues in the region. The question of Palestine is at the core of the Middle East issue — a fundamental issue that bears on peace in the region. It is imperative to adhere to the two-State solution and on basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, and to resume peace talks as early as possible in order to resolve the issues of borders, settlements, the status of Jerusalem and refugees. We must support the work of the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria and the Astana dialogue to maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and to reactivate the Geneva peace talks as soon as possible in order to reach a political solution acceptable to all Syrian parties. It is necessary to support the mediation efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen and facilitate an early return of the Yemeni parties to the track of political dialogue. We must support Libyan parties in their effort to achieve reconciliation and to strengthen their capacity for integrated national governance and development. Efforts should be made to ensure the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Secondly, there is a need to enhance synergy and to maintain a country-led and -owned process, with the United Nations as the main channel of mediation. The future and destiny of the region should be determined through joint consultations among the countries of the region. It is imperative to respect the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs, as established in the Charter of the United Nations, respect the will of the countries concerned in taking forward the country-led and -owned political process. The United Nations should play its role as the main channel of mediation, actively promote the political processes in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq, and provide support for dialogue among the parties to the conflict. Regional organizations should promote mutual trust and solidarity among all parties concerned and cooperate with the United Nations. Countries outside the region should play constructive roles in facilitating peace and providing help, but should not willfully interfere in the internal affairs of other States or impose specific models.

Thirdly, an integrated approach should be followed in addressing the various drivers of the crises in the region. Multiple civilizations and religions originate and converge in this region. It is imperative to respect cultural and religious diversity, engage and learn from each other on an equal footing and prevent cultural differences and religious conflicts from exacerbating the regional conflicts. Combating terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations is a shared responsibility of countries of the region. Those countries and the international community should strengthen cooperation in their fight against terrorism, consolidate their achievements in that fight, prevent the spillover of foreign terrorist fighters and their returnees, and curb the spread of terrorist ideology. The parties should work together to alleviate the humanitarian situation of refugees and provide greater assistance to countries hosting massive numbers of refugees.

Fourthly, there is a need to promote sustainable development and address the root causes of instability in the region. War, conflict, terrorism and the refugee migration crisis can all be traced to the root of poverty and underdevelopment. Development is the key to the solutions to all problems and that also holds true for this region. It is necessary to support the countries of the region in exploring appropriate development paths by themselves, fully implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building up their capacity for poverty reduction and development, and consolidating the material basis for peace.

Mr. President,

The Middle East and North Africa have produced brilliant civilizations and have glorious histories that have made important contributions to humankind’s progress. We are confident that the countries and peoples of those regions have the will, ability and wisdom to find a solution that will restore peace and tranquility. As a Permanent Member of the Security Council, China has always maintained an objective and impartial position, and played a constructive role in seeking solutions to hot-spot issues in the region. We respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the countries of the region. We stand for solutions reached through dialogue and consultation, not force, and firmly support the mediation efforts of the United Nations. As the largest developing country, China is ready to strengthen its practical cooperation with the countries of the region under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, thus contributing to the achievement of regional development and prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. President.