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PR No. 01/2007
United Nations, New York, January 9: Pakistan takes over the Chairmanship of Group of 77 and China (developing countries) from South Africa tomorrow at a special ceremony to be held at the United Nations.
Pakistan which takes over as 37th Chairman of the Group-77, has been reelected for an unprecedented third term. This is an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s important role in the comity of nations as well as trust reposed in it by developing countries to represent their interests at the UN.
In this connection a special ceremony is being held on 10 January 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Trusteeship Council Chambers of the United Nations, to be presided over by His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki- Mon, Secretary General of the United Nations, which among others will be attended by the Foreign Minister of South Africa H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Secretary General, UNCTAD Mr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Dr. Dumisani Shadrack Kumalo, Permanent Representative of South Africa. Mr. Makhdum Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan, Representatives of Member States and senior officials of the United Nations
Although the membership of Group- 77 which was established in 1964 has increased to 131 countries, the original name was retained because of its historical significance.
The Group-77 provides the developing world a platform to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhances its joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues and technical co-operation.
Pakistan believes that co-operation among the Member States is not only necessary for raising the living standards of its people but crucial for negotiating an equitable world economic order.