On September 21, 2016 local time, on the initiative of New Zealand, the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, the Security Council held a high-level meeting on Syria. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the meeting and made a statement.

Wang Yi expressed that the turbulence in West Asia and North Africa, represented by the Syrian issue, has been lingering on for five years. This has made regional countries and people suffer, and caused grave spillover impacts to international peace and security. All relevant parties should stick to political settlement, narrow down contradictions and differences through dialogues and negotiations, accommodate the interests of various parties and seek lasting and sustainable solutions. We must insist on addressing both symptoms and root causes, improve people's livelihood, foster a culture of tolerance, and strive for harmonious coexistence. The international community should pursue multilateralism. The UN and its Security Council should play their parts as the main channels, while others should uphold a just and objective stance.

Wang Yi stressed that to resolve the Syrian issue, relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council must be practically implemented, especially Resolution 2254. We need to progress in parallel in the four tracks of ceasefire, political negotiations, humanitarian assistance and joint efforts against terrorism, in a bid to make this year a turning point for the Syrian situation. China is a sincere friend for all parties in the Middle East. We have no self-interest in the region. The interests of the Middle East people are China's interests. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to fulfill its duties and play its due part for peace and stability in the Middle East.