President,

I thank Special Representative Miroslav Jenča for his briefing, and I welcome His Excellency Foreign Minister Omar Bula attending today's meeting.

Ten years ago, the signing of the Final Peace Agreement put an end to Colombia's half-century-long civil war, setting a model of resolving conflicts through dialogue. Thanks to the joint efforts of successive Colombian governments, all sectors of society and the international community, the implementation of the peace agreement has achieved positive progress. We hope to see the new Colombian government prioritize the long-term development of the country and the fundamental interests of its people, unite all parties and continue striving toward the goal of achieving comprehensive, lasting peace. Let me make four points.

First, the peace agreement should be implemented in a comprehensive and steady manner. As the peace process continues to deepen and deliver tangible results, the acceptance of the peace process among all parties and their willingness to be part of it is steadily increasing. This has further consolidated consensus to sustain the peace process and raised expectations for future outcomes. Today, as the implementation of the peace agreement enters a critical phase, we hope that the Colombian government will build on current progress, draw on past experience and lessons learned, and clearly define its next steps for implementing the Peace Agreement as early as possible. In areas of concern to the public, including comprehensive rural reform, reintegration and special justice, more concrete actions need to be taken to actively mobilize resources and leverage the strengths of existing mechanisms so that more people can benefit from the dividends of peace.

Second, security challenges should be effectively addressed. The current security situation in Colombia remains worrying. China supports the Colombian Government in curbing conflict and violence in accordance with the law, while resolving differences through political means to reduce the risks of conflict. Efforts should be made to improve the overall security environment of the society, strengthen the protection of vulnerable groups such as former combatants, farmers, ethnic minorities, women and children, and boost public confidence in the peace process.

Third, efforts should center on addressing the root causes of conflict. Peace is not just about silencing the guns. It depends more heavily on resolving deep-seated issues such as underdevelopment and unequal distribution. China supports the Colombian government in combating drug-related crimes, promoting illicit crop substitution, improving the livelihoods of people in remote, underdeveloped regions, and promoting balanced and sustainable economic and social development. The Colombian government should provide systematic support to former combatants in areas such as land, housing, vocational training and productive activities to help them secure stable livelihoods. Peace-building and economic development are mutually reinforcing. All sectors of Colombian society should become important forces in advancing national development.

Fourth, the international community should maintain its effective support. China commends the active role of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia in supporting the Colombian peace process. China supports further extending its mandate, so that the mission can further strengthen dialogue and communication with all parties in Colombia and provide targeted assistance. China also hopes that the Colombian government will continue to give comprehensive support to the mission's work. The international community needs to ensure that efforts in development assistance, peacebuilding and other areas complement the policies of the Colombian Government, channeling more funds and more projects to underdeveloped regions that are severely affected by the conflict, so as to create greater synergy.

China highly values the development of China-Colombia relations and the longstanding friendship between our two countries. Immediately after Colombia's major earthquake, China conveyed its condolences and provided earthquake relief assistance and emergency supplies. China will work together with the Colombian government and the international community to advance a Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process, and bring greater benefits to the Colombian people.

Thank you, President.