New York, USA - August 08, 2024

China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang on Thursday called on the international community to strengthen solidarity and intensify cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Geng made the statement at the UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

At the meeting, Geng underscored the importance of cooperation in the fight against terrorism, noting that counter-terrorism should not become a tool for major power rivalry, a bargaining chip in geopolitics, or a pretext for interfering in other countries' internal affairs.

All countries should uphold the concept of common security, abandon ideological bias, eradicate double standards or selectivity in counterterrorism efforts, and effectively respect and protect the security of each and every country, Geng said.

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, said at the meeting that branches of Daesh, also known as ISIL, are constantly expanding in Africa's Sahel region, and speeding up actions in northern Mozambique and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing large numbers of civilian casualties.

Voronkov said the moves by Daesh and other terrorist organizations in Afghanistan are also posing serious threats to regional security. He called for joint efforts from countries in the region to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a hotbed of terrorism.

Shotlist:
UN Headquarters, New York City - Aug 8, 2024:
1. UN Security Council briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts in progress;
2. Screen showing Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, speaking;
FILE: Cape Delgado, Mozambique - 2023
3. Various of residents, soldiers on streets;
FILE: Goma, DR Congo - Aug 2023
4. Various of camp for displaced people, tents;
FILE: Kabul, Afghanistan - 2024
5. Cityscape;
6. Various of traffic, pedestrians;
UN Headquarters, New York City - Aug 8, 2024
7. Various of meeting in progress;
8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to United Nations:
"It has been proved many times that terrorism cannot be completely eliminated purely through military means. Only by upholding a systematic concept, focusing on the long-term and on the root causes and taking a multifaceted approach in economic, political, social, cultural, and religious fields, can we eliminate the root causes, and ultimately achieve victory in the fight against terrorism.";
9. Voronkov listening;
10. Various of Geng speaking, attendees.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland, For news purpose only/No archive/Not for other production use]