New York (People’s Daily) - “The Colombian peace process is crucial to achieving comprehensive peace and development in Colombia,” Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations, said on Thursday at the UN Security Council’s public meeting on Colombia, while calling on the international community to provide constructive assistance to advance the Colombian peace process.

Ma said that the Colombian peace process has made positive progress recently. For example, the presidential election was successfully held while the Colombian government and the FARC agreed on the reintegration strategy of ex-combatants and made positive progress on the ceasefire with the National Liberation Army.

“However, healing war wounds is not an easy task. The comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement involves many issues such as politics, security, development, and social integration. It is a long-term systematic project that requires the unremitting efforts of all parties in Colombia and the international community,” said Ma.

Ma pointed out that the Colombian peace process is a model for the cooperation of the Security Council to address recent regional hotspot issues, stressing that It is essential for achieving comprehensive peace and development in Colombia. It is also of great significance for maintaining stability throughout the region.

“The peace process is irreversible. This is the consensus of all walks of life in Colombia and the international community,” he said.

Ma said that China hopes that all parties in Colombia will persist in advancing the peace process without faltering, to continue to actively implement the peace agreement, and resolve possible problems through dialogue and consultation.

Ma also called on the Security Council and the international community to continuously pay attention to and support the Colombian peace process, respect the leadership of the Colombian government and people, and provide constructive assistance to advance the Colombian peace process.

“China appreciates the important role played by UN Secretary-General Kosovo Special Representative Arnold and the United Nations Mission of Colombia in promoting the peace process in Colombia,” Ma said, adding that he hopes that the mission will continue to strengthen communication with the Colombian government and the FARC, enhance mutual trust and promote the active government and FARC, as well as to implement the peace agreement. 

“China is willing to work with other members of the Security Council to contribute to the continued advancement of the Colombian peace process and the early realization of comprehensive peace and stability in Colombia,” Ma said.