President,

A warm welcome to colleagues from Brussels.

Today's meeting is highly relevant at a time when the world enters a new period of changes and turbulence and humanity once again stands at a crucial crossroads in history. At this pivotal moment, the United Nations, as the core of the international system, and the European Union, as an important force on the international stage, must shoulder their due responsibilities. To promote world peace and stability, it is essential for the UN and the EU to strengthen their exchanges and cooperation. In this spirit, I wish to share three points.

*First is the commitment to multilateralism.*

While countries may differ in history, culture, geopolitical interests, and political systems, and may not see eye to eye on some hotspot issues, most of us could agree on one thing, that is our genuine commitment to multilateralism. All countries should come together under the banner of multilateralism and the United Nations, jointly safeguard the authority and role of the UN, and champion the UN-centered international system.

China supports the reform of the UN to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. However, such reform must serve to strengthen, not weaken, the Organization. In that spirit, we hope EU countries will increase, rather than decrease, their input for the UN's development pillar.

*Second is the commitment to the authority of the UN Charter and international law.*

The purposes and principles of the UN Charter constitute the foundation of contemporary international law. They must be upheld and defended, and must be interpreted and practiced accurately and fully. 

At present, we are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where international humanitarian law is gravely violated, humanitarian supplies weaponized, and humanitarian workers as well as innocent civilians brutally attacked and killed. We hope the EU will step up its efforts, together with the Security Council, to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and full access to humanitarian assistance.

China looks forward to a productive international conference on the implementation of the two-State solution co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia later this month. And we hope that more European countries will recognize the State of Palestine.

We stand ready to work with the EU and its member states to firmly safeguard the international order underpinned by international law, protect the rules-based multilateral trading system, and jointly oppose double standards, exceptionalism, and the bullying acts of tariffs.

*Third is the commitment to dialogue and consultation in resolving disputes.*

Dialogue and consultation between the parties concerned remain the most effective means for settling disputes and resolving conflicts.

The Ukraine crisis has a direct bearing on European security as well as far-reaching global ramifications. With the launch of direct negotiations between the parties, we hope that Europe and the rest of the international community will support and promote a political settlement of the crisis by providing the necessary atmosphere, conditions, and assistance for peace talks, so as to restore peace and stability on the continent at an early date.

China will maintain engagements and communication with various parties, and continue our constructive role by leveraging the Group of Friends for Peace and other platforms to forge more consensus for peace.

President,

Fifty years ago, China and EU braved the Cold War barriers to establish diplomatic relations, a historic decision that opened a new chapter of bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Over the past five decades, our relationship has enjoyed a steady momentum of growth, and brought tangible benefits to our peoples.

Last month, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In his message, President Xi stressed that a sound and stable China-Europe relationship not only works to the advantage of both sides, but also brings benefits to the whole world. We are also encouraged to see that the EU leaders have expressed their readiness to deepen partnerships with China in addressing global challenges.

China and Europe are partners, not rivals. History has proven that our common ground far outweighs our differences, and our cooperation far outweighs our competition. China always regards Europe as an important pillar in a multipolar world, and supports the integration of Europe and the strategic autonomy of the European Union. In today's international landscape, China and Europe working together will bring much-needed stability to the world, and help improve the global governance.

Taking the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties as an opportunity, China looks forward to working even more closely with the EU and its member states within the UN framework, to jointly safeguard international order, promote global growth, support multilateral cooperation, and make greater contributions to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

Thank you, President.