President,

Let me begin by congratulating Russia on the assuming the Council's Presidency this month. My delegation will provide you and your colleagues with full cooperation. My congratulations also go to the Republic of Korea for the smooth conduct of the Presidency of the Council last month. 

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča for the briefing. We congratulate him on his appointment as the SRSG for Colombia. We look forward to the UN Verification Mission continuing its active role with regard to advancing the peace process in Colombia under his leadership. 

President, 

Since 2016, the Colombian Government and the people have actively implemented the peace agreement, making significant strides on the path towards peace and development. With more and more low-hanging fruits having been picked, what remain are the toughest challenges. All parties in Colombia must strengthen their resolve and unity to continue advancing towards peace and development. I would like to share a few thoughts. 

First, the full implementation of the peace agreement is key to addressing the issue. China supports President Gustavo Petro in increasing resource allocation and strengthening overall coordination in the remainder of his term to achieve more tangible results in implementing the peace agreement. Recently, the SJP issued its first restorative sentences, marking a significant step forward in Colombia's peace process. We hope these sentences will be effectively enforced to heal victims’ wounds, promote peaceful reconciliation, and deliver justice. 

Second, solid progress in national development is crucial for peace consolidation. As noted in the report by the Secretary-General, rural reform helps the government effective control conflict-affected and remote areas and combat illegal economy and associated violence. We welcome the progress in land adjudication and formalization in Colombia, encourage Colombia to continue moving forward with rural reform and accelerate the implementation of the Programs for Development with a Territorial Focus, so as to extend the benefits of development to more people. We commend Colombia for actively facilitating land and housing access to former combatants and promoting their participation in production projects. We hope Colombia will leverage the coordinating role of the National Reintegration System to accelerate concrete actions and ensure the safety and livelihoods of former combatants. 

Third, continuously improving the security situation is a prerequisite for the country's stable development. Recently, Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay succumbed after he was shot. The attack on police helicopter and explosion near military base resulted in casualties. China supports the Colombian Government in strengthening security deployment to safeguard the lives of its citizens and protect vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, women, and children. China supports the Colombian Government in remaining engaged with anti-government forces and advancing peace talks. We hope all parties in Colombia will jointly cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace, and ensure that the upcoming election will proceed smoothly and successfully. 

Fourth, the international community must continue to provide assistance to Colombia. Colombia is currently at a crucial stage in its peace and development efforts, making external encouragement and support indispensable and particularly important. There is a need for all relevant parties, on the basis of respecting the sovereignty and ownership of Colombia, to contribute to the country's peaceful development, rather than create obstacles, and to extend a helping hand to Colombia, rather than interfere arbitrarily. China commends the contributions made by UN VMC to the peace process in Colombia and support its continued active role. We stand ready to work with other Council members in making a decision on renewing the Mission's mandate. 

I thank you, President.