President,

China thanks Venezuela for convening the Seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends in defense of the UN Charter. We extend our warm welcome to you, Foreign Minister of Venezuela, for presiding over today's meeting.

Since its inception, our Group has consistently championed the defense of the UN Charter, actively voiced our positions across UN platforms, with its influence and appeal growing day by day. As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, the Group should take this opportunity to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation, uphold fairness and justice, and work together to advance global peace and development. I wish to emphasize three points:

First, we must firmly safeguard the authority of the UN Charter. Some countries, in complete disregard of the Charter and international law, have pursued a policy of national interests first and illegally imposed unilateral sanctions, which has severely undermined multilateralism and the role of the UN. Our Group must stand firmly against all acts of hegemony and bullying, against all self-serving rules which run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter, and against Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and the law of the jungle. Together, we must urge the international community to honor its solemn commitment to the Charter through concrete actions.

Second, we must actively promote the reform of global governance. The Global Governance Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping early this month at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, offers a Chinese approach in addressing the deficits in global governance. Guided by this Initiative, China will work with fellow Group members to enhance the voice and representation of the Global South, and to build a more just and equitable global governance system.

Third, we must enhance coordination and cooperation within the Group. Some Group members have long endured suppression and containment by hegemonic powers, with their economic development and people's well-being severely undermined. China firmly supports the fight of the Cuban people to defend their national sovereignty, and has all along called for the removal of Cuba from the so-called “list of State Sponsors of Terrorism”. China opposes the US interference in Venezuela's internal affairs, and opposes the recent US actions that escalate the situation in the region.

Members of the Group share similar positions and interests on many issues. It is imperative that we firmly support and closely collaborate with one another on issues related to our core interests and major concerns. China supports the adoption of the outcome documents at this meeting to amplify the Group's collective voice for justice. We further call on the Group to uphold a consensus-based approach, expand common ground, and attract more like-minded countries to join our family. In this regard, China warmly welcomes Burundi joining the group, becoming a new member of the family.

I thank you, President.