His Excellency The President, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, Returns From Qatar And Nigeria On South-South Co-operation

President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah was among the Head of States who addressed the recently concluded second South-South Summit of G77 Countries and China in Doha, Qatar. The inaugural meeting of the South-South Summit was held in Havana, Cuba, in 2000, when nations entered the new millennium with all its challenges and expectations. The Havana Programme of Action which was adopted was a road map for the South to address emerging challenges of economic growth and prosperity. The focus of this meeting was to assess progress and identify obstacles and challenges militating against the achievement of these objectives. It was a stock-taking by member countries of specific measures taken in pursuance of the Havana Programme.

In his statement, President Kabbah maintained that the summit was an assessment of the development challenges facing leaders of the Group of 77 and China as reflected in the Havana Programme of Action and the Millennium declaration five years ago at the United Nations Summit in 2000. He added that this meeting will not only help to review progress in the implementation of the Plan of Action, but also serve as an opportunity to articulate a common position by the group of G77 and China, in preparation for the Millennium Summit in New York in September this year.

President Kabbah emphasized that the massive international collaboration in the fight against terrorism and the recent commitment made by the G8 countries to address poverty eradication and sustainable development give cause for optimism. He lauded the endorsement of the NEPAD initiative by the G8 and the Africa Commission Report, an initiative of the British Prime Minister as an honest evaluation of the African situation and a ray of hope for the realization of promises. He highlighted multilateralism as a better option for achieving a peaceful and prosperous world, which can respond to common aspirations and principles, promote and protect common interests.

He reiterated his country's commitment to the principles and aspirations of the G77 and China. This, he said, will create a healthy environment for global and regional security, economic and political progress.

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