I am relieved about the extension of the cross-border resolution on cross-border humanitarian aid for Syria. It is good news for millions of Syrian men, women and children that the Security Council was ultimately able to agree on our compromise proposal. As co-penholders Germany and Belgium fought hard in difficult negotiations to reach this result.

During the negotiations, we were guided by humanitarian considerations and by the demands of the aid workers on the ground. This also applies for the vast majority of Security Council members. Ultimately, we proposed a compromise to preserve the mechanism for cross-border humanitarian aid. We cannot and do not want to conceal that we believe more crossings are necessary.

We remain committed to the victims of the war in Syria and neighboring countries. In 2020, Germany will again be one of the largest humanitarian donors with commitments totaling 1.6 billion euros. We will continue to advocate for humanitarian crossings so that the aid reaches those who need it.