At a United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, urged for intensified efforts to promote Colombia’s national development and achieve sustainable peace. Addressing the council, Geng highlighted the critical challenges facing the implementation of Colombia’s peace agreement, notably the insufficient progress in rural reform, land distribution, and the reintegration of former combatants.
“One of the main obstacles to the implementation of the peace agreement is the inadequate progress in key areas such as rural reform, land distribution, and reintegration of ex-combatants,” Geng stated. “China encourages the Colombian government to continue to scale up its efforts in these areas. We look forward to such efforts being translated into a solid foundation for advancing the peace process.”
Geng emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue and reconciliation to consolidate the momentum for peace in Colombia. He welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), expressing hope for positive outcomes in the upcoming seventh round of peace talks between the two sides.
“We hope the parties in Colombia will demonstrate willingness and determination to engage in peaceful negotiation, reduce conflict and violence, create a favorable environment for dialogue and consultation, and further consolidate and expand the effective outcomes of such talks,” he added.
Highlighting the need for concrete actions to improve the security situation, Geng underscored that a secure and stable environment is essential for building confidence among all parties involved in the peace process. “China supports the government of Colombia in fully implementing the relevant security policies, continuing to increase its deployment of security forces in former conflict areas where effective control is absent, and strengthening the protection of women, children, ethnic minorities, and ex-combatants,” he said.
Geng also commended the significant work done by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia in promoting the peace process. “China stands ready to continue to support the mission and international and regional partners in providing support and assistance to the advancement of a Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process,” he noted.
Reference(s):
China calls for efforts to promote Colombia's national development
cgtn.com
