Qatar participated in the 45th annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Group of 77 and China. Held virtually, Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. In a recorded speech, HE al-Muraikhi reiterated Qatar's affirmation of the principle of permanent sovereignty for peoples under foreign occupation over their natural resources, the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the people of the occupied Syrian Golan, and the right to self-determination.
Solidarity and multilateral action are more important than ever and are the best way forward to achieve the desired goals of the group, he said. In this context, the minister affirmed Qatar's keenness to adhere to the principles of joint responsibility, solidarity, and partnership, which the group needs today.
HE al-Muraikhi pointed out that Qatar's hosting of the Second South Summit of the Group of 77 in 2005 reflected the political will to consolidate and support co-operation that is in the interest of all. He expressed Qatar's aspiration to participate in the Third South Summit which will be hosted by Uganda. The minister affirmed Qatar's continued efforts and effective role through the group, and its strategic partnership in support of the United Nations system in various fields, especially in the field of promoting international peace and security through its diplomatic efforts and distinguished relations at the regional and international levels.
With Qatar's awareness of its responsibility and obligations, it has spared no effort to support the urgent response efforts of many countries and organisations to combat the negative repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, as contributions of more than $140mn have been made, he added and stressed that Qatar did not hesitate to assume its responsibilities as an active member in the international community, to work with the United Nations and other partners, and to provide support to the least developed countries and small "island" developing countries, to confront climate change and promote green growth over the past years.
HE al-Muraikhi pointed to Qatar's hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which will be held in Doha from Jan 23-27, 2022. He expressed Qatar's aspiration that the LDC5 in Doha would contribute to challenges that the least developed countries face, and support their efforts to achieve the desired goals, most importantly, sustainable development.
He reiterated that Qatar continues its efforts and active participation in the group and commitment to its principles and objectives, hoping that this meeting will achieve the desired goals in a way that serves the group's common interest and goals. HE al-Muraikhi expressed his thanks to Guinea for the appreciated efforts and the successful leadership of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China during this year which is full of many challenges still facing the countries of the group, in particular, repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.