President,

I thank SRSG Hanna Tetteh and Ms. Nissa Bek for their briefings. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today's meeting.

Recently, Libya has made notable progress in its political process, with a significant increase in oil and gas export revenues. At the same time, the country continues to face challenges, including unresolved fundamental political differences, rising localized security risks, and persistent macroeconomic pressures. The international community must pursue a multi-track approach and work toward a comprehensive, integrated and fundamental solution to the Libyan issue. I wish to emphasize three points.

First, sincere dialogue is needed to break the political deadlock. The United Nations has recently worked actively to advance the political roadmap, and the 4+4 small-group dialogue has made progress. The Libyan parties concerned should fully recognize that the division of state institutions and repeated postponement of elections are detrimental to the country's long-term development and the vital interests of the Libyan people. China calls on all parties, with the support of the United Nations, to intensify consultations, bridge their differences, and reach agreement as soon as possible on the relevant matters set out in the roadmap, thereby paving the way for national elections. UNSMIL should maintain dialogue with Libya's major political forces and seek broad support. The United Nations should continue to play a central role in mediating the Libyan issue. Efforts by countries outside the region should uphold the  Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle, and fully respect Libya's national conditions and the will of its people.

Second, the gains of the ceasefire must be preserved and further escalation prevented. Recently, successive outbreaks of violence have occurred in Zawiyah and elsewhere, while critical facilities such as oil refineries have been deliberately targeted in drone attacks. This not only threatens the safety of civilians, but could also disrupt energy supplies and affect people's lives and livelihoods. China is deeply concerned about these developments. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease all violent attacks. We support the Libyan authorities in investigating the relevant attacks and holding those responsible accountable. Civilian safety and the security of critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, must be effectively protected. The 2020 ceasefire agreement remains an important foundation for maintaining Libya's overall stability. The parties in eastern and western Libya should fully implement the agreement, strengthen dialogue, consolidate mutual trust, and advance the unification of military and security institutions of the eastern and western sides.

Third, improve public governance and enhance people's well-being. Libya continues to face prominent challenges, including fiscal deficits, rising prices and fuel shortages, which are detrimental to sound economic development and lasting social stability. The eastern and western sides should promptly implement the unified budget already agreed upon, ensure the fair and transparent management of oil revenues, and safeguard the stability of the macro-financial governance framework and policies. Libya's frozen assets are the shared wealth of the Libyan people and should be fully protected. In May this year, while serving as President of the Security Council and Acting Chair of the Libya Sanctions Committee, China, drawing on the previous work of all parties, updated the draft Implementation Assistance Notice on arrangements for the reinvestment of frozen cash reserves. We welcome the consensus reached by all parties on this matter last month. We call on the international community to continue exploring practical arrangements conducive to preserving and increasing the value of Libya's frozen assets.

President,

Libya stands at a critical crossroads. The international community should genuinely respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, uphold objectivity and impartiality, step up mediation and good offices, and play a constructive role with a genuine commitment to Libya's peace, stability and the well-being of its people. As a good friend of Libya, China stands ready to continue working with the international community to make greater contributions to advancing a political settlement of the Libyan issue and promoting lasting peace and stability in Libya.

Thank you, President.