Colleagues, 

I thank Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza for her briefing, and reiterate our continued support for the work of SRSG Rugwabiza and that of MINUSCA. I also listened carefully to Ms. Portia Deya Abazene's remarks made from the perspectives of women and development. I welcome the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic at today's meeting. China strongly condemns the recent attack against MINUSCA peacekeepers and offers our condolences to the fallen Tunisian peacekeeper. 

At present, the CAR situation is good in general, with positive progress being made in enhancing governance capacity and advancing the political peace process. The international community should help consolidate this momentum and provide more support for the CAR to achieve lasting peace and stability. I would like to make three points. 

First, the various levels of elections under preparation in the CAR are an important step in consolidating peace, and should become a significant opportunity for the country to embark on peace, development, and prosperity. MINUSCA should make it a priority to support election preparations. We hope that the CAR parties will seek consensus through dialogue and consultation on specific arrangements related to elections. The international community should help the CAR parties advance election preparations and avoid undue external interference. 

Second, peace and stability in the CAR is closely related to the situation in neighboring countries. We welcome the CAR's recent effort with Chad and other neighboring countries in strengthening security cooperation, resuming intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms, and establishing joint border security forces. The international community should pay attention to the spillover effect of the Sudan conflict and support the CAR in strengthening security capacity building and border control and in maintaining regional stability. 

Third, development is the necessary pathway to achieve long-term stability. China is pleased to see the decision of the Kimberley Process at the end of last year to fully lift the restrictions on the CAR's export of rough diamonds. Such export is believed to be a new point of growth in the CAR's economic recovery. While providing humanitarian assistance, the international community should, in light of the priority areas identified in the CAR's national development action plan, actively increase investment and expand economic and trade cooperation with the CAR, so as to help the CAR realize sustainable development at an early date. In this regard, helping youth and women in seeking employment and entrepreneurship is critical for improving livelihoods, economic development, and social stability. 

China has always been a steadfast partner in supporting the CAR's development. Last September, President Faustin Archange Touadera, while visiting China and attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, drew up with the Chinese leaders a roadmap of practical cooperation between the two countries. China would like to work with the CAR to implement the consensus of the two countries’ leaders and do our part for the CAR's development, prosperity, and long-term peace and stability.