Speaking on the first day of the G77 and China Summit, in Havana, the president pointed out that the global agenda for the common future focuses on the principles of justice and equity, without leaving any country behind, including those who have been deprived of their right to self-determination and freedom.

He indicated that the Palestinian people still suffer under the Israeli occupation and as a result face increasing challenges related to the implementation of the sustainable development goals, in terms of pace and scope.

Abbas commented that the development situation in his country differs from that of other nations in the world, mainly because Israel’s colonial project denies the Arab country’s right to progress and imposes systematic policies aimed at undermining such purposes.

He recalled that Palestine faces the consequences of the global economic crisis, inflation, rising prices and basic products, including food and fuel.

“It is known by all that the policies of colonization in our land, the looting of our wealth of natural resources, collective punishment, environmental degradation, restrictions of movement have led to the destruction of our economy,” he said.

Therefore, he assured, our economy cannot be sustainable or viable under continuous occupation.

He affirmed that the Palestinian people, with the support of the G77 and China, are determined to overcome historical injustice, which has stifled their development and hindered their aspirations for a century.

He noted that urgent action must be taken to end the Israeli occupation, release Palestinian political prisoners and reinstate Jerusalem as the capital of the Arab country.

The president reiterated his gratitude to his counterpart Miguel Díaz-Canel and to the Caribbean nation for their support to the rights of Palestine in international forums.

He highlighted that the event, which will end tomorrow, addresses strategic issues such as the role of science, technology and innovation, vital for the countries that make up the Group.

He highlighted that as a result of the meeting the stock of knowledge and capabilities in the field of scientific-technical development of the member states of the bloc will improve.

The head of state pointed out that there is an urgent need for greater coordination and integration in the G77 and China, with the aim of overcoming challenges and moving towards fulfilling the aspirations of “our countries.”

We meet in times of uncertainty in which sustainable development in developing countries has been seriously affected, said Abbas, who considered that although there has been much progress since the adoption of the 2030 agenda, there is still much to do.

ef/mem/mks