President, 

I thank Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi and Director Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings, and welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria, Oman, and Türkiye at today’s meeting. 

For more than 10 years, Syria has endured immense hardship, with its political process marked by constant fluctuations and its people mired in conflicts and suffering. The restoration of peace and stability at an early date is a strong appeal of the Syrian people, and should also become the common goal of the international community. Under the new circumstances, all parties should respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. While upholding the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, greater support and assistance should be given to Syria. Syria should seize the opportunity to implement effective national governance and respond to the international community’s concerns with concrete actions. 

To solve the Syrian issue, the key lies in advancing an inclusive political process. We note that Syria is moving forward with elections of the interim people’s assembly, which is a crucial step in the political transition. China supports the Syrian transitional government in acting in the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, closely uniting all ethnic groups and factions, bridging differences through dialogue and engagement, and consolidating consensus through consultation and communication. Having the Special Envoy operate within Syria will help the UN better play its role. China looks forward to the appointment by the Secretary-General of a new Special Envoy and stands ready to engage in in-depth discussions with Council members on the UN’s presence in Syria, so as to make appropriate arrangements in this regard. 

The prolonged turmoil in Syria has provided space for the proliferation of terrorism. Following the changes in Syria’s situation, foreign terrorist fighters have exploited the chaos to gain strength, which not only poses a direct threat to Syria’s own security, but also severely undermines regional peace and stability. They must be eradicated completely. The Syrian transitional government has repeatedly stated that Syria will not pose a threat to any country. We urge the Syrian transitional government to translate this commitment into concrete actions, earnestly fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations, take resolute and strong measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Council, including the ETIM, and earn the trust of the international community through tangible actions. In adjusting its sanctions related to Syria, this Council should fully consider Syria’s counter-terrorism and security situation and the complex implications that such adjustments may entail. It should comprehensively consider Syria’s long-term interests and present needs, properly address the legitimate concerns of all parties involved, and make decisions prudently based on thorough deliberations. 

The humanitarian crisis is an urgent challenge for Syria. According to UN agencies, at present, 16.5 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance. Aid reductions by traditional donors have increased the gap between humanitarian needs and available resources. The UN should further strengthen its coordinating role to mobilize all parties to increase and speed up the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria. Support should be given to Syria for it to advance its economic and trade cooperation, enhance its internal development drivers, continuously improve livelihoods, and fundamentally solve its humanitarian and development challenges. 

President, 

Syria is an important country in the Middle East, and developments in its situation bear on regional peace and stability. All parties should continue to provide constructive support and assistance and refrain from exploiting the situation for self-interest. We call on Israel to stop its military operations against Syria and withdraw immediately from Syrian territory. 

China will continue to work with the international community to help Syria achieve security, stability, and development at an early date and to embark on a development path that fits its own national conditions. 

Thank you, President.