President,

I thank SRSG Jenča for his briefing. I welcome the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia Mauricio Jaramillo at today's meeting. 

Thanks to the joint efforts of the government and people of Colombia, the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement has registered positive progress, setting an example for world peace. The Colombian peace process has now entered a critical stage, consolidating existing gains and striving for new ones will require determination, unity, cooperation and persistence on the part of all stakeholders in order to implement the final peace agreement and achieve peace and development on the ground. I would like to share the following points:

First, the peace agreement must be fully implemented. The SG report points out that Colombia's final peace agreement is a comprehensive accord that should be implemented in its entirety if its promise of peace, justice and reconciliation is to be fully realized. China supports the Colombian government in strengthening coordination, mobilizing more resources and taking more concrete actions across all aspects of the agreement, including rural reform, reintegration, security guarantees and transitional justice with a view to achieving more visible results.

Second, national development must continue to advance. The Colombian peace process must advance in tandem with peace building and sustainable development. China welcomes the government's continued efforts in advancing rural reform and development of programs such as rural connectivity and electrification. We also welcome Colombian government's continuous support for ex-combatants in access to land, housing, employment and community reintegration, among others. We hope that Colombia will optimize resource allocation, enhance institutional coordination and continuously unleash the development dividends in order to promote peace and eliminate the root causes of conflict. 

Third, a secure environment must be guaranteed. The deadly clashes that took place recently in Colombia's central and southern departments demonstrate that the security situation in some parts of the country remains fragile. China supports the Colombian government in strengthening state presence in conflict-affected areas and protecting its citizens, including vulnerable groups such as former combatants, ethnic minorities, women and children, so as to create conditions for a smooth and secure general election later this year. China supports the Colombian government in continuing peace talks with rebel armed groups. We hope that all parties in Colombia will prioritize the future of the country and the well-being of its people, strengthen unity and jointly safeguard the hard-won peace in Colombia.

Fourth, international support must be sustained and scaled up as the Colombian government and people continue their pursuit for peace and development. The international community should maintain its support and assistance. China appreciates the important role played by the UN Verification Mission under the leadership of SRSG Jenča, in supporting the Colombian peace process. China supports the Mission to continue to fulfill its mandate, and calls on other UN entities, as well as international and regional partners to scale up their programs on the ground and jointly promote the Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process.

President,

In recent years, China-LAC relations have entered a new stage, marked by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefit for the people, setting a shinning example for South-South cooperation. China stands ready to join hands with Colombia and other countries in the region to promote solidarity, development, civilization, peace and people-to-people connectivity and advance shared development and revitalization. 

Thank you, President.