President,

I welcome His Excellency Mr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), to this meeting. I also welcome the presence of representatives of Serbia, Croatia, and the European Union. China welcomes the Council's unanimous adoption of the resolution extending the authorization of the EUFOR Althea, and appreciates the efforts of the penholder. China expresses condolences over the casualties among Italian personnel in the crash of a helicopter of the EUFOR Althea. We wish those who are injured a speedy recovery.

China always respects the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of BiH, as well as the independent choice of its people regarding the nation's future. We are committed to developing friendly relations with the peoples of all ethnic groups in BiH and sincerely hope that the country will achieve social stability and economic prosperity. In light of the latest situation, I wish to make three points.

First, the three peoples of BiH should work together to advance the national governance agenda. Over the past few years, BiH has experienced continued political turmoil, with constant disputes among different ethnic groups and political parties, posing severe challenges to the ethnic reconciliation process. Not long ago, general elections were held across BiH in a stable and smooth manner. People of all ethnic groups generally demonstrated inclusiveness and restraint, and the post-election situation remains stable. China recognizes and welcomes this. We hope that the two entities, three peoples, and all political parties in BiH will take the new post-election political landscape as an opportunity to show mutual tolerance, enhance mutual trust, stay engaged in constructive dialogue and consultation, refrain from confrontational rhetoric, advance the smooth formation of a new government, and jointly safeguard the country's political and social stability.

Second, sustainable development should be promoted to help achieve lasting peace. At present, BiH is at a critical phase in its economic restructuring and faces multiple challenges, including sluggish economic growth, high inflation, and labor outflow, placing its economy and society under pressure on multiple fronts. We call on all parties in BiH to put the interests of the entire population first, forge synergies in governance, fully leverage the country's geographical location and energy advantages, make every effort to improve the business environment, deepen international cooperation, create opportunities for economic growth, and ensure that the fruits of development benefit people of all ethnic groups. We hope that the international community will increase its support and assistance to BiH, carry out more cooperation in infrastructure development, industrial upgrading, trade and investment, and promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda.

Third, the destiny of BiH should be in the hands of its own people, and its affairs should be determined independently by its people. In recent years, there has been great controversy both within BiH and in the international community over the issue of the “High Representative.” Both the High Representative system and the “Bonn Powers” were special arrangements made for a special period. They should not be prolonged, much less made permanent. The international community should fully respect the sovereignty of BiH, fully listen to the opinions and concerns of its three peoples, create favorable conditions for all ethnic groups in BiH to resolve their differences, and avoid interfering in its internal affairs or taking sides.

President,

BiH is an important country in the Balkans. Having once been ravaged by war, its people yearn for stable and peaceful lives. Achieving inclusive reconciliation among all ethnic groups in BiH will not only promote lasting peace and development within the country, but also contribute to the shared prosperity and stability of the Balkan region.

China appreciates the constructive role played by Serbia, Croatia, and other regional countries in keeping BiH safe, secure, and stable. China will continue to work with the international community and make unremitting efforts to safeguard peace and stability in BiH and promote regional development and prosperity.

Thank you, President.