Foreign ministers mull issues relating to developing countries
 
Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the state members of the Group of 77 met on Tuesday at a videoconference based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, to discuss the framework for cooperation among developing countries.
The meeting is held annually, with this year being the 45th Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77.
The ministers discussed several frameworks, especially the response to and recovery from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak, aimed at following through on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on behalf of Laos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune led a delegation attending the online meeting and commended the Group of 77 for continuing to play an important role in fostering cooperation among developing countries, as well as South-South cooperation.
In particular, he praised negotiations aimed at protecting and promoting various cooperation frameworks in the international arena.
He noted that Laos continues to support the Group’s efforts in sourcing funds for the rollout of National Socio-Economic Development Plans as well as fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in developing countries.
He also expressed appreciation of efforts to promote international cooperation in response to and recovery from the various effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Phoxay stressed the importance of South-South cooperation and tripartite cooperation, which play a role in the eradication of poverty in developing countries.
He also reiterated Laos’ commitment to continue to work with the Group of 77 towards further cooperation in the regional and international arenas, with the aim of achieving the development goals.
He thanked other member states for their support to Laos in the past, saying this has contributed significantly to Laos’ development efforts.
The meeting adopted the Ministerial Declaration, which reflects the Group’s commitment to development work, with a focus on addressing issues and challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Phoxay called on the international community to continue to provide assistance to tackle the problem so that developing countries can overcome the crisis and achieve their sustainable development goals in the future.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update December 3, 2021)