In statements to the Ethiopian News Agency, Lefebre noted that this intergovernmental coalition of 134 developing countries plays a fundamental role in addressing the global challenges ahead. It has done so in the past, and we are currently talking about a new international economic order, Lefebre added.

In his view, China’s presence in the group gives some economic power, as it is one of the major investors in the South.

Regarding the diversity of its members, the Cuban diplomat recalled that there are “rich countries, rich economies, and also poor economies. But the major and wonderful thing is that we can combine the interests of all of them in a single bloc, and we have the power of the United Nations as a negotiating group,” he stressed. Lefebre noted that Cuba assumed the presidency pro tempore of the group this year, and the summit, scheduled for September 15-16, will discuss economic issues, how to face the future, how to solve the problems arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflicts, and the global economic crisis.

“G-77 plus China has been alive and united for 60 years; the group is important because it is a forum to negotiate with the United Nations. Its main objective is to support each other and prioritize its position in the United Nations,” he stressed.

The main theme of the G-77 plus China Summit in Cuba will be “Current Development Challenges: Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”

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