UNITED NATIONS, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Friday that the Colombian peace process is not only vital to the peace and stability in the country, but also matters for the region.

"The Colombian peace process is essential for achieving comprehensive peace and stability in Colombia. It also matters for regional peace, security and development," Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting on the situation in Colombia.

The Chinese envoy commended the recent visit of the Council members to Colombia and welcomed its positive results.

"Over the earlier period, the Colombian Government has continued to advance the peace process and has made progress, particularly in such aspects as strengthening national institution building, promoting economic and rural development, and developing crop substitution, as well as in facilitating the re-integration of former combatants," said Wu, adding that "China commends these achievements."

Talking about the current situation in Colombia, the Chinese envoy said, "Colombia is still facing some challenges in fully implementing the peace agreement. The security situation in some regions remains fragile."

"All parties should continue their efforts to enhance mutual trust, provide assistance for the social and economic re-integration of former combatants, and take practical measures to guarantee the security of former combatants and the communities, as well as to promote development in former conflict areas and strengthen support for remote areas," he said.

Recent differences of view held by relevant parties in Colombia on such issues as legislation concerning the special jurisdiction for peace have been resolved through the legal channel with the joint efforts of all parties, said Wu.

"China welcomes this achievement and hopes that parties in Colombia will advance the peace process as a top priority, persevere in comprehensively implementing the peace agreement and strengthen inclusive political dialogue, as well as accelerate economic and social reconstruction," he said.

"We hope that the Colombian Government will continue to hold peace talks with the parties concerned and create favorable conditions for the realization of comprehensive peace, stability and development in Colombia as soon as possible," the envoy added.

Members of the Security Council left New York for a visiting mission to Colombia on July 11. The overarching purpose of the visit was to demonstrate the Council's support for the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP) and the government of Colombia, which put an end to over five decades of violent and bloody civil war. Enditem

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