Pakistan to promote Group of 77 interests, objectives: envoy

UNITED NATIONS: Ambassador Munir Akram on Tuesday said that he would work on the basis of “transparency, inclusivity and objectivity” in promoting the group’s interests and objectives after Pakistan was elected by acclamation, as chairman of the Group of 77 and China for 2022.

“We are honoured to be elected as the chairman of the group for 2022,” Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Akram said in brief remarks at the virtual annual meeting of ministers for foreign affairs of the G-77, the largest coalition of 134 developing countries.

A founding member of G-77, which promotes its members’ collective economic interests at the UN, Pakistan will take over from Guinea, the current chairman, at the start of the new year.

Since G-77’s founding in 1964, Pakistan has held its chairmanship three times in 1976, 1992 and 2007, when Ambassador Akram chaired the group during his previous term as the Pakistani envoy to the UN.

Tuesday’s meeting was opened by Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté, Guinea minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke at the start of the meeting.

The President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the meeting. In his remarks, Ambassador Akram said that G-77 faces daunting challenges, the runaway pandemic, the achievement of the SDGs (sustainable development goals) and advancing its climate goals are daunting.

“But, with the traditional solidarity of the group, we are confident that the Group of 77 and China will succeed in achieving these objectives and overcoming challenges,” he said.

In conclusion, the Pakistani envoy thanked Guinea for its great contribution during the current year and to thank all of those countries, ministers and representatives, who have congratulated Pakistan on its election.