Sabbagh: Boosting cooperation among member states of the Group of 77 and China to face challenges

Kampala, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Bassam Sabbagh has stressed that the importance of the Group of 77 and China is growing now more than ever, given the unprecedented challenges the world is witnessing. Sabbagh's remarks came in a speech before the 3rd South Summit held in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. He stressed that cooperation between the countries of the group is essential for confronting the challenges that hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals, especially in light of Western countries ignoring many of the group's valid concerns. Sabbagh noted that the Group of 77 and China, which represents two-thirds of the member states of the United Nations, has played an important role on the international scene, and its importance has grown now more than ever, given the unprecedented economic challenges the world is witnessing. 'Cooperation and solidarity among member states is essential for mobilizing the group's efforts in confronting these challenges, and the continuation and strengthening of this cooperation and solidarity in the coming period will enable us to continue defending our common interests,' Sabbagh said. Sabbagh stressed that Syria stresses the necessity of reforming international financial institutions, especially the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, ensuring the participation of developing countries in decision-making, and providing effective and predictable financing for development purposes to all those who need it without politicization. Sabbagh added 'Syria stresses the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the field of climate action, and providing the necessary assistance to developing countries to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change and restore biodiversity.' Sabbagh said 'Syria also emphasizes giving the water issue the priority and great attention it deserves, and rationalizing the use of water resources.' The Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister expressed Syria's thanks and appreciation to the countr ies of the group for their continued support for its issues in various international forums, especially with regard to the occupied Syrian Golan. He noted that Syria appreciates the group's long-term position against unilateral, illegal, immoral and inhuman coercive measures including the unilateral measures imposed on Syria. Sabbagh reiterated Syria's commitment to continue working with all countries of the group to achieve common goals, extending thanks to the friendly Republic of Cuba for its successful presidency of the Group of 77 and China. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency