Remarks on Syria by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

At the outset, I wish to thank the briefers for the briefings, and welcome the representatives of Syria, Kuwait, Iran, Israel, and Türkiye to today's meeting. The Security Council's delegation had a successful visit to Syria recently. I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the efforts made by Syria for this visit.

This is the last time this year that the Council routinely deliberates on the question of Syria. Over the past year, the Middle East has continued to experience instability, while the situation in Syria has seen significant changes. The Syrian transitional government has made sustained efforts to advance the political transition, and the international community has provided substantial support to Syria in restoring stability, leading to positive developments in the Syrian society. At the same time, the situation in Syria remains complex and fragile, with acute inter-communal tensions, a grim counter-terrorism situation, and mounting humanitarian challenges. Israel's deployment of forces in the separation area and its strikes on Syrian targets raised serious concerns about heightened tensions. 

Under such circumstances, it is necessary for the Security Council to strengthen its solidarity and coordination and continue to provide constructive support and assistance to Syria, so as to ensure the situation in Syria remains on the right track. During the Security Council's visit to Syria, representatives from all sectors of the Syrian society conveyed to the Council their strong desire for national reconstruction and keen expectations for a better future, with a shared hope that Syria will regain stability, achieve economic recovery, remain open, and reintegrate into the international community. The Syrian transitional government should actively respond to the expectations of its people, guided by the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principles set out in Security Council Resolution 2254, engage in inclusive dialogue, promote internal reconciliation, and find a national reconstructive plan that reflects the will of the Syrian people. All countries should fully respect the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria, and allow the Syrian people to decide on their own future. 

President,

Security is an important prerequisite for national reconstruction. The counter-terrorism issue related to Syria is a shared concern of the international community. A large number of foreign terrorist fighters are active in Syria, severely threatening the peace and security of Syria itself and that of the wider region. The recent terrorist attacks in Homs and Idlib in Syria have once again sounded the alarm. We call on the Syrian transitional government to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and take all effective measures to resolutely combat all international terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the ETIM. All countries must uphold zero tolerance for terrorism, act in concert to counter terrorist threats, and reject selective approaches and double standards in counter-terrorism. The listing by the Security Council sanctions regime is an important tool in counter-terrorism. Relevant Security Council committee should carefully consider de-listing requests and avoid making hasty decisions when conditions are not yet fully mature.

China is ready to continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability, and development at an early date. 

Thank you, President.