The international community should continue to support Iraq in counter-terrorism and reconstruction, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Tuesday.
Geng made the remarks at a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the situation concerning Iraq at the U.N. headquarters in New York city.
Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Iraq, made a briefing at the meeting, noting that Iraq is steadily pushing forward with reconstruction and political process, and has made positive progress towards "more stability, more prosperity and closer regional integration."
At the meeting, Geng expressed appreciation over Iraq's national development toward peace and stability, noting that the international community should continue to support the country in dealing with the lingering terrorism threats.
"Iraq is still facing the threat of terrorism, which continues to affect its security and stability. The international community should continue to help Iraq strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity building, eliminate the remnants of terrorist forces, and consolidate the counter-terrorism gains achieved over the years," Geng said.
As the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) approaches formal termination of its mandate in December this year, Geng said China supports the U.N. Secretary-General’s plan for its transition and withdrawal, and hopes the Iraqi Government and UNAMI will coordinate closely to bring the Mission's work over 20 years to a successful conclusion.
China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction
China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction
China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction
Both Gold and silver prices hit record highs on Monday, driven by geopolitical tensions and market expectations for further U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Spot gold prices breached 4,420 U.S. dollars per ounce during the intraday trading on Monday, while gold futures contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) briefly surpassed 4,450 U.S. dollars per ounce, both hitting all-time highs.
In addition, the silver futures contract on NYMEX climbed above 69.5 U.S. dollars per ounce on Monday, surging nearly three percent, also reaching a record high.
Bloomberg News reported that escalating geopolitical tensions and market expectations for further Fed rate cuts were the primary drivers behind the soaring gold prices.
Traders anticipate the Fed will cut rates twice in 2026 following last week's release of a series of U.S. economic data.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently advocated more accommodative monetary policies.
Persistent geopolitical tensions in recent weeks have also heightened the safe-haven appeal of gold and silver.
Bloomberg projected on Monday that both gold and silver are poised for their strongest annual gains since 1979.
Due to purchases of central banks and inflows into exchange traded funds (ETFs), gold prices have surged by about two-thirds this year.
Gold-backed ETFs have recorded five consecutive weeks of increased inflows.
World Gold Council data shows that, except for May, the total holdings of these funds have increased month on month this year.
Beyond central banks, investors have also played a significant role in the gold price rally.
Fueled by concerns over the value of sovereign bonds and their denominating currencies, investors have been fleeing these assets.
The Wall Street Journal reported in October that investors who were concerned about the outlook for currencies like the U.S. dollar were aggressively buying alternative assets such as gold.
Goldman Sachs released a research report on December 18, forecasting that gold prices would rise to 4,900 U.S. dollars per ounce by the end of 2026.
Gold, silver prices soar to new record highs as investors hunt for safety
