"We hope that the Colombian government and the parties concerned do not waver, cherish the hard-won peace process, prioritize the full implementation of the peace agreement, conduct inclusive political dialogue, speed up socio-economic reconstruction, enhance mutual trust through dialogue, and promote peace through development," said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

 

The peace process in Colombia is essential to the comprehensive peace and stability in the country. It also has a bearing on regional security and development, he told the Security Council.

 

The Colombian government is committed to the peace process and has made enormous efforts in strengthening national institutions, advancing various reforms, and reintegrating former combatants, he said.

 

At the same time, the full implementation of the peace agreement is facing multiple challenges. As indicated in the UN secretary-general's report, the security situation in certain parts of the country remains fragile, with former combatants and civil society leaders exposed to security threats, said Wu.

 

The UN secretary-general's special representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, which he heads, have contributed greatly to promoting the peace process in the country. China hopes that the mission will further enhance communication with all parties in the country so as to form synergy and push for more results, Wu said.

 

China stands ready to work with other members of the Security Council and contribute to promoting the peace process and achieving at an early date comprehensive peace, stability and development in Colombia, said Wu.

 

The Colombian government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia struck a peace deal in August 2016 after four years of negotiations in Havana, Cuba, ending a five-decade-long conflict in the country. The UN Verification Mission in Colombia, mandated by the Security Council, is tasked to verify the reintegration of former fighters of the guerrilla group.