The Third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact Partners on Combating Illicit Traffic in Opiates Originating in Afghanistan took place in Vienna on February 16th. It brought together Ministers and representatives from more than 50 countries and nearly 20 international organizations. Ambassador CHENG Jingye, head of Chinese Delegation, was invited to the conference and delivered a statement on behalf of the Chinese Government. The full text of the statement is as follows:

Mr. Secretary General BAN Ki-moon,

Mr. Executive Director Yury FEDOTOV,

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Chinese delegation appreciates the opportunity to attend the Third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact, one of the most important frameworks in the fight against opiates originating in Afghanistan. We believe that this Ministerial Conference will further strengthen the will of the international community to address the drug problem in Afghanistan and facilitate its reconstruction process with a view to safeguarding peace, stability and development of the Afghanistan and the whole region.

As we speak, the illicit cultivation, production, trafficking and abuse of drugs in the world remain rampant, and the production volume of drugs remains sky-high. The drug problem, which is often closely interlinked with terrorist financing and other international organized crimes, has become a scourge and malignant tumor of society. The international community has for many years carried out cooperation against drugs-related crimes and achieved considerable progress, but the global drug threat and challenge remain daunting.

Afghanistan has long suffered from the drug problem which has not only adversely impacted its own security, stability, economic and social development, but also threatened the neighboring countries and beyond. With the support of the international community, the Government and people of Afghanistan have overcome the obstacles and advanced the fight against drugs with positive results, for which China would like to express its appreciation. Nonetheless, Afghanistan is still facing an uphill battle in its drug control endeavor.

The Chinese delegation would like to make a four-point proposal on the work in the next phase.

Firstly, consolidating the consensus of cooperation. The drug problem originating in Afghanistan is a common challenge faced by both Afghanistan and the international community at large and its solution is in the interest of all countries concerned. The countries should further strengthen the will and determination of cooperation and form a common front against Afghanistan's drug problem by making full use of each country's advantages.

Secondly, pooling the efforts of various regional initiatives. There are numerous mechanisms and regional initiatives on Afghanistan's drug problem, including Paris Pact, cooperation initiatives within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, initiatives carried out by the UNODC, and bilateral cooperation between various countries and Afghanistan. We should make efforts to strengthen the coordination and mutual support among the various mechanisms and initiatives so as to form a joint force.

Third, deepening practical cooperation. All parties should further tap the potential of cooperation and make efforts in areas such as establishing channels of cooperation among drug control law-enforcement agencies, improving the efficiency of cooperation, advancing practical cooperation in terms of intelligence sharing, border control, mutual legal assistance, management of precursor chemicals and reduction of drug demand, and continuing the technical support to Afghanistan with a view to enhancing its drug control law enforcement capacity through the training of law enforcement officials.

Fourthly, supporting Afghanistan's reconstruction process. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is a prerequisite for the eradication of the drug problem in the country. The international community should firmly support the "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" reconstruction process, support the Afghan Government in capacity building and advancing national reconciliation through its own efforts, fulfill the aid commitments to Afghanistan, and support Afghanistan's economic development so as to help bolster its capacity for sustainable development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a friendly neighbour, China has all along taken an active part in supporting and assisting the Government of Afghanistan in drug control through bilateral channels. According to the bilateral agreement on drug control signed by the two Governments in 2006, the two Countries have carried out cooperation in such areas as intelligence sharing and assistance in investigation, which has helped crack a number of drug-trafficking cases. The Chinese police academies have organized 7 training workshops for more than 120 Afghan drug control officers. Currently, the drug control law enforcement agencies of the two countries are negotiating a Letter of Intent on strengthening cooperation on drug control.

In addition, China works actively to advance the drug control cooperation concerning Afghanistan within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization by promoting the implementation of drug control cooperation agreements reached between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Afghanistan.

China also works actively to support, promote and take part in Afghanistan's reconstruction process. China has cancelled all due debts owed by the Government of Afghanistan that have matured and provided sincere assistance to Afghanistan. Over the past 10 years, China has undertaken a large number of economic aid projects in Afghanistan, including hospitals, schools and hydro-power projects, which have contributed to the promotion of the economic and social development in Afghanistan and the improvement of the livelihood of the Afghan people.

China stands ready to work closely with the Government and people of Afghanistan and the international community for the elimination of drug threat and the realization of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan at an early date.

Thank you.

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