Malaysia, Cuba discuss preparations for forthcoming G77+China summit

Malaysia and Cuba held discussions regarding the preparations for the forthcoming G77+China Summit, which is scheduled to take place in the capital city of Havana on Sept 15-16. 

The discussion took place between the Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia, Florentino Batista Gonzalez, and Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, at the ministry’s office on Tuesday (Aug 29). 

“Ambassador of Cuba, Florentino Batista Gonzalez, called on Deputy Secretary-General for Multilateral Affairs, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and Cuba’s preparation for the G77+China Summit in Havana, scheduled for Sept 15-16, 2023,” said a tweet from Wisma Putra.  

The summit, which is to be attended by developing nations and held on the Caribbean island, will prominently address the theme “Current Challenges of Development: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation”. This theme was emphasised by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who currently leads the G77.

Originating in 1964 as part of the Non-Aligned Movement, the “Group of 77 plus China” is a coalition comprising 134 countries. Its objective is to promote the collective economic interests of its member nations and enhance their collaborative negotiation capabilities at the United Nations (UN).

Cuban authorities have noted that the G77+China faces substantial developmental challenges, given that its member nations collectively represent 80% of the global population and comprise over two-thirds of UN member states.