President, 

I thank Deputy Special Representative Georgette Gagnon, Director Edem Wosornu, and Ms. Metra Mehran for their respective briefings. 

At present, the situation in Afghanistan is generally stable. Yet challenges in the humanitarian, development, and counter-terrorism fields remain complex and severe. The Afghan government and the international community should move in the same direction, enhance mutual understanding and trust, take more proactive measures, effectively improve the well-being of the people, and promote lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. I wish to make four points. 

First, it is essential to maintain the momentum of pragmatic engagement. In recent years, Afghanistan has strengthened exchanges and cooperation with the international community, especially regional countries, playing an important role in maintaining regional stability and promoting economic development. We call on all parties to maintain dialogue and engagement with the Afghan government, continuously bridge differences, build consensus, and encourage Afghanistan to better respond to the concerns of the international community. We support the continued effective role of regional cooperation platforms, such as the coordination and cooperation mechanism of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, the Moscow Format, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as the UN-led Doha process in helping Afghanistan address various challenges and reintegrate into the international community at an early date. The Security Council 1988 Committee should actively support Member States' applications for travel ban exemptions, and expeditiously resume a package arrangement for such exemptions in order to provide the necessary facilitation for engagement and dialogue. 

Second, efforts must be intensified to improve livelihoods. Despite the positive efforts made by the Afghan government, the humanitarian crisis and poverty in Afghanistan have become more acute due to factors such as the sharp reduction in external assistance, large-scale refugee returns, frequent natural disasters, and instability in the Middle East. According to UN data, nearly half of Afghanistan's population requires humanitarian assistance, more than three quarters cannot meet their basic needs, and less than 20% of the required humanitarian funding has been secured this year. Behind these stark figures are tens of millions of Afghans, including women and children, struggling with hunger and disease. We call on traditional donors to increase assistance to Afghanistan, with countries bearing historical responsibilities taking the lead. The countries concerned should fully return the overseas assets of Afghanistan's central bank, lift illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on Afghanistan, and support the rebuilding of its financial system. The Doha process working groups on private sector development and counter-narcotics should strive for more early deliverables, helping Afghanistan enhance its capacity for self-reliant development and deliver tangible benefits to the local population. 

Third, the basic rights of the Afghan people must be effectively safeguarded. The Secretary-General's report notes that Afghanistan has, for the fifth consecutive year, enforced a ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade, resulting in millions of children dropping out of school, which is deeply concerning. Education is the cornerstone of national development and revitalization. We call on the Afghan government to place the interests of the country and people first, take active measures to ensure girls' education, better guarantee women's equal rights to employment, health care, access to public services, and participation in social life, and present an image of openness, inclusiveness, and responsibility. The policy restricting female Afghan UN staff from accessing UN premises has been in place for several months, seriously affecting the normal functioning of UN agencies in Afghanistan. It should be lifted as soon as possible, so that the international community can better assist Afghanistan in overcoming its difficulties. 

Fourth, a united international front against terrorism must be solidified. Terrorism is a common enemy of humanity, and counter-terrorism is an international obligation that all countries must fulfill. Although the Afghan government has taken action in recent years against ISIL-K, this group, along with Al-Qaida, ETIM, TTP, BLA, and other terrorist groups, remains active in Afghanistan, posing a serious threat to the security of Afghanistan and the surrounding regions. We urge the Afghan government to strengthen their resolve, intensify efforts in counter-terrorism, resolutely eliminate all terrorist forces based in Afghanistan, including individuals and entities listed by the Security Council 1267 Committee, and enhance counter-terrorism cooperation with regional countries and the international community to safeguard common security.

President,

Since the escalation of border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, China, as a friendly neighbor of both countries, has actively engaged in mediation efforts to promote de-escalation and sustain dialogue between the two sides. In April, representatives of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan held an informal meeting in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, reaching important consensus on maintaining good neighborly relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, strengthening dialogue and consultation, and exploring comprehensive solutions. China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role and work with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to jointly maintain regional peace and tranquility. 

President, 

Over the years, UNAMA has played an important role in coordinating international assistance and facilitating engagement and dialogue. China commends this, and will continue to support UNAMA in fulfilling its mandate. The mandate of UNAMA is set to expire by mid-June. As the penholder of the Afghan dossier, China will make every effort to promote consensus among Council members and support the smooth renewal of UNAMA's mandate, in order to contribute positively to Afghanistan's development and stability and its early reintegration into the international community. China hopes that all Council members will make constructive efforts to this end. 

I thank you, President.