Mr. Chair,

I thank Somalia, the United Nations, the African Union and the United Kingdom for co-hosting this meeting, and thank them for their insightful opening remarks. We also welcome H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to this meeting.

The recent period has witnessed frequent terrorist attacks by Al-Shabaab, which poses a grave threat to peace and security of Somalia and the region. AUSSOM, as well as its predecessors ATMIS and AMISOM, have made tremendous efforts and sacrifices in countering Al-Shabaab, of which China expresses its high appreciation.

China attaches great importance to the issue of AUSSOM financing. As the second largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping, China bears a substantial share of the UN-assessed budget for UNSOS. In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, China will contribute nearly a quarter of the assessed funding of the Office, helping sustain the operations of AUSSOM and the Somalia Security Forces. Over the years, China has also made voluntary donations to ATMIS and AMISOM within its capacity, demonstrating our concrete support for the AU and Somalia.

As traditional donors reduce their funding for AUSSOM, the Mission is facing severe financial shortfalls. China stands firmly with African countries in supporting the provision of adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding for AUSSOM under Security Council Resolution 2719. However, due to the negative stance of a certain member, the Security Council was unable to reach consensus on this matter. China finds it deeply regrettable. We will continue to support the implementation of Resolution 2719, and support the AU-led peace operations.

Given the grave security situation in Somalia, China believes that international partners should act in concert and with urgency to address the pressing funding needs of AUSSOM. We call on traditional donors to fulfill their historical responsibility regarding the situation in Somalia, and keep their financial contribution. At the same time, we also welcome the generosity of new partners, who have offered crucial support to AUSSOM in this difficult time. 

As a close friend of Somalia, China will continue to support Somalia through various channels in combating terrorism and enhancing security capacities, and continue to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the country, all in an effort to help Somalia realize peace, stability, and sustainable development.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.