14 Sep 2023

Cuba is determined to build solidarity with other nations, says Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Mr Bruno Parella. 

Addressing a press conference prior to the G77+China Summit, Mr Parella said the Cuban nation had over the years been of great help to other nations in various fields supporting economic development more especially that of developing nations and therefore gaining its recognition and acknowledgments globally. 

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is among delegates attending the summit held in Havana today and Saturday. 

Mr Barella said Cuba, the current Chair of the Group of 77, had global impact in the fight against imperialism and its strength was based on the unity of its people. 

He said the summit would focus on the general interests of the  members. 

He said G77+China members accounted for 80 per cent of the world’s population. Despite facing its own challenges which were impacting negatively on its economy, Mr Parella said hosting the G77 Summit was testimony to Cuba’s tradition of hosting international events with long lasting memories and impact. 

He said Cuba was as a place where new things began, a cultural crossroads, adding that those with doubt would at the end of the summit have a clear perspective of what Cuba could offer.

He added that the event would  present hospitality and the good work of the nationals. 

Mr Parella said he was convinced that the summit , which was was testimony of the unity and solidarity of the G77 members  would be a success. 

He said the summit would primarily focus on among others economic development promoted by science, technology, and innovation. 

Therefore, Mr Parella said technology and innovation were paramount in achieving sustainable development. 

He said the G77 group focused on harnessing technology for economic development in the global south. 

The G77+China Summit is held under the theme: Current Development Challenges: Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and its 134 members will address the role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing current development challenges. 

Mr Parella said the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating impact in most countries and therefore must focus on what they could and what they did not do and work on harnessing their relations for the better. 

The UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres, has confirmed his attendance of the G77 Summit. 

Mr Guterres has stated that it is important for developing countries to ensure attainment of transformation that is needed in the international system to create a condition that will enable them to face challenges and gain momentum for their development. 

In his message preceding the summit, Mr Guterres said there was a need for international solidarity and justice. 

Therefore, he said the summit would focus on the main challenges and core issues of the development of the Southern nations and the indispensable contribution of science and technology. 

Founded on June 15, 1964, the Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues. Ends