Co-Chairs.

I thank France and Saudi Arabia for convening today’s preparatory meeting. I have listened carefully to the briefings by the co-chairs of the working groups. Let me make the following points.

First, firm and dedicated political support is the key guarantee for advancing the Middle East peace process. The two-State solution is the only viable path to resolving the question of Palestine. We support convening the high-level conference to rally stronger and broader international support for Palestine, so as to take irreversible actions to implement the two-State solution. Any unilateral action that undermines the two-State solution should be rejected and resisted. As stated in the conference’s concept note, an independent Palestinian state is the precondition for realizing peace and the recognition and granting of a full membership to Palestine in the UN is the prerequisite for advancing a political settlement. China reiterates its support for the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. We look forward to welcoming Palestine as a full member of the UN as early as possible. We count on the working groups, including those on “A sovereign and unified Palestinian State living side by side, in peace and security, with Israel”, on “Preserving the two-State solution”, on “Promoting respect for international law in order to implement the two-State solution”, and on “Peace Day Effort” to take vigorous actions to this end.

Second, development assistance is an important buttress for independent statehood. Developing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods is the crucial foundation for building an independent Palestinian state. The international community should increase humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine and support its efforts to enhance governance capacity and achieve sustainable and independent economic growth. UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and an important provider of public services in the West Bank. Therefore, its normal functioning must be guaranteed. China supports the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan initiated by the Arab countries. We agree with the goals and requirements raised by the working groups on “Economic viability of the Palestinian State” and on “Humanitarian action and reconstruction”. We will actively participate in relevant reconstruction work and continue to provide help to Palestine wherever possible.

Third, realizing a ceasefire and saving lives remains an urgent priority. As I emphasized at the April informal consultations, ending the conflict is the prerequisite for discussing all long-term arrangements and lasting peace. If a ceasefire in Gaza is delayed indefinitely, discussions on the two-State solution will be empty talk. At present, the situation is getting increasingly precarious as Israel is escalating its ground attacks in Gaza and occupying more territories. Settlements in the West Bank are also expanding, while settler violence is intensifying. And there was the egregious incident of the Israeli military firing warning shots at the invited diplomatic delegations visiting Jenin. The international community must summon the greatest urgency to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, and give the people of Gaza the hope for survival. The Security Council, as the primary organ tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security, has the responsibility to take all necessary actions to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The working groups on “Security for Israelis and Palestinians” and on “Peace Day Effort” also have a role to play in this regard.

Co-Chairs,

We appreciate the efforts made by France, Saudi Arabia, and the co-chairs of all working groups to prepare for the conference, and we welcome and support the concept note. China will actively participate in the deliberations of relevant working groups and in the preparatory activities to work for positive outcomes at the June high-level conference and take practical and strong actions to realize the two-State solution.

Thank you, Co-Chairs.