China ends Security Council presidency after fulfilling tight agenda

UNITED NATIONS - China on Saturday officially concluded its presidency of the Security Council for February after fulfilling a tight agenda, passing it on to France.

This month the Security Council held 35 meetings to consider over 20 agenda items, including Syria, Yemen, Libya, South Sudan and Ukraine, with seven resolutions adopted and two presidential statements as well as 15 press statements issued.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, noted in his end-of-presidency briefing that there was a move this month to encourage members to be more focused on analyzing the situations, pinpointing the problems and finding solutions to these key problems. The move aims to use the council time more efficiently and throw in the weight of the Council behind solutions.

Also in February, China held the 70th anniversary themed debate, "Maintaining international peace and security: Reflect on history, reaffirm the strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations."

The Security Council presidency rotates monthly among members. France will serve presidency in March.

In March, the Council will hold an open debate on children and armed conflict and a briefing on cooperation between the EU and UN.