Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, has emphasised China’s support for Iraq’s governance improvements and regional cooperation efforts to maintain peace and stability.

Mr Geng said this during a UN Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Mr Geng praised the Iraqi government’s efforts to “enhance governance, promote economic reform, improve public services, create jobs, and fight corruption.”

He said that these had produced remarkable results. He called for unity and reconciliation within Iraq.

“Stronger unity among all Iraqi actors and the achievement of reconciliation for national development is in the fundamental interest of the people of Iraq,” he said.

Mr Geng also expressed support for ongoing engagement between Iraq’s central government and the Kurdistan region to resolve longstanding issues.

Addressing security concerns, Mr Geng acknowledged Iraq’s critical role in the global fight against terrorism and the persistent security threats it faced.

He underscored the necessity for continued international support to strengthen Iraq’s counter-terrorism efforts. He welcomed Iraq’s initiatives toward repatriation and resettlement of citizens from the Al-Hol camp in Syria.

Mr Geng highlighted China’s diplomatic stance, stressing that China “supports Iraq and regional countries in developing good neighbourliness and friendly relations and in jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability.”

He urged all parties involved to respect Iraq’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, resolve concerns through cooperation with the Iraqi government, and refrain from taking unilateral actions that might aggravate tensions.

Mr Geng also discussed UNAMI’s future, acknowledging its significant role in supporting Iraq’s reconstruction and development since 2003. He advocated a reassessment of UNAMI’s mission.

“It is high time to streamline the mission’s mandate and implement gradual drawdown,” he suggested.

Mr Geng highlighted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s request to close UNAMI’s mandate by December 2025, which called for a strategic drawdown plan.

Mr Geng stressed the importance of addressing the issue of missing Kuwaiti personnel and property.

He encouraged ongoing support from the international community and the UN to help Iraq and Kuwait strengthen cooperation and resolve issues effectively. 

(Xinhua/NAN)