President,

China abstained in the vote just taken on the draft resolution, and I wish to make the following explanation.

In December 2018, in order to support and assist the implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement, the Security Council authorized the establishment of the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA). Over the past seven years, the Mission has maintained communication with the parties to the conflict, actively monitored the ceasefire, and carried out livelihood and humanitarian activities, making contributions to maintaining stability in Hudaydah and its surrounding areas and preventing an escalation of the conflict.

At present, the situation in Yemen remains complex, and the ground situation in Hudaydah is tense, with the risk of renewed conflict persisting. China takes a cautious view of the proposal to withdraw UNMHA. We believe that, in considering the future arrangements for the Mission, the Security Council should fully take into account the situation on the ground in Hudaydah, carefully manage the pace, and avoid a hasty withdrawal that could impact the fragile situation or even trigger new conflict. During consultations, a number of Council members also expressed concerns regarding the requirement in the draft resolution for UNMHA to withdraw within two months. In light of this, and taking into account the positions of the country concerned and relevant regional countries, China had no choice but to abstain on the draft resolution.

President,

While UNMHA is set to withdraw, its core tasks related to the Hudaydah  Agreement, including monitoring the ceasefire and engaging with the parties to the conflict, will not come to an end, and will be taken up by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. China looks forward to the Secretary-General, in accordance with the requirements of the resolution and on the basis of fully hearing the views of all Yemeni parties, formulating feasible arrangements regarding the withdrawal of UNMHA personnel and the liquidation of assets, so as to ensure a safe and orderly withdrawal of the Mission. We hope that the Special Envoy for Yemen and his Office will strengthen communication and coordination with UNMHA, properly handle the handover of the Mission’s remaining functions, and ensure a smooth transition. We call upon the parties to the Hudaydah Agreement to earnestly fulfill their obligations under the Agreement and jointly safeguard security and stability in Hudaydah and its surrounding areas.

Thank you, President.