China calls on the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Central Africa region, helping countries in the region address security threats, achieve economic recovery and tackle humanitarian challenges, said China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sun Lei on Monday.
The United Nations Security Council on Monday held a meeting to discuss issues concerning the Central Africa region. The meeting report said that in the past six months, the political transition in Gabon and Chad has made positive progress, while conflicts in the Lake Chad Basin and the Great Lakes region are still continuing.
During his speech at the meeting, Sun stressed the importance of joint efforts from the international community in sustaining a positive momentum towards lasting peace.
"Security challenges in the Central Africa region remain significant. Violence in the Lake Chad Basin has increased rather than decreased. Terrorist attacks in the region are on the rise, while the spillover effects of the situation in Sudan and the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are becoming increasingly evident, bringing uncertainty to regional security and stability. The international community should assist countries in the region in enhancing their independent counter-terrorism capabilities, increase support in areas such as funding, intelligence sharing and capacity building, and work together to strengthen regional security," said Sun.
He stressed that, as the Central Africa region is still facing severe development challenges, the international community should strengthen its support for countries in the region by helping them develop their economies and improve people's well-being, and greater assistance is needed in areas such as job creation and poverty reduction.
Armed conflicts and extreme weather have worsened the humanitarian situation, leading to a growing number of refugees and displaced people, while humanitarian funding remains critically insufficient, he said, urging traditional donors to step up, not to scale back, their support to help countries in the region address these difficulties.
Chinese envoy calls for joint efforts to maintain peace, stability in Central Africa
Chinese envoy calls for joint efforts to maintain peace, stability in Central Africa
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
