Today in Havana, President Kagame joined Heads of State and global dignitaries for the opening ceremony of the Group of 77 and China(G77+China) Summit of Heads of State and Government, chaired by Cuba.
The Summit taking place from 15-16 September is being held under the theme “Current Development Challenges: Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation” and is hosted by President Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba.
On the margins of the G77+China Summit, Rwanda’s Foreign affairs Minister Vincent Biruta met with his counterpart for Cuba Bruno Rodriguez. Together, they signed a MoU on Political Consultations; and Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.
Minister Vincent Biruta also met with the Rwandan community living in Cuba, particularly medical students.
The Group of 77 (G77) at the United Nations (UN) is a coalition of 134 developing countries, designed to promote its members’ collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
There were 77 founding members of the organization headquartered in Geneva, but it has since expanded to 134 member countries. Cuba holds its chairmanship for 2023, succeeding Pakistan.
The group was founded on 15 June 1964, by 77 non-aligned nations in the “Joint Declaration of the Seventy-Seven Countries” issued at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The Group of 77 lists China as one of its members. The Chinese government provides consistent political support to the G77 and has made financial contributions to the Group since 1994, but it does not consider itself to be a member.
China maintains that it is not a G77 member, despite being listed as one by the bloc, but Beijing says it has supported the group’s legitimate claims and maintained cooperative relations. (End)