Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Thursday urged the Group of 77 to enhance solidarity and coordination in a joint effort to advance the interests of developing countries.

In a speech at the 27th annual meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of the Group of 77, Li said the international situation was volatile at present and many developing countries faced the danger of being marginalized and multilateralism encountered new challenges.

"Developing countries, the Group of 77 in particular, need more than ever to strengthen their solidarity and coordination in a joint effort to change the unfavorable external factors, remove obstacles in the course of development and promote the establishment of a just and reasonable new international political and economic order, so as to better safeguard the rights of developing countries to common development and equal participation in international economic decision-making," Li said.

He said all UN member states should maintain multilateralism, observe international law and practice democracy in international relations. "Support should be given to the UN in playing a leading role in safeguarding peace and promoting development."

He urged developing nations to do more to coordinate their positions, support each other and seek common ground on major international issues. "Special attention should be given to their participation in the formulation of international economic rules and the vigorous protection of their legitimate rights and interests."

Li praised the Group of 77 as a banner rallying developing nations for greater solidarity and establishment of a just and reasonable new international economic order.

The Chinese government, he said, "especially appreciates the spirit of unity shown by the Group of 77 plus China at the WTO (World Trade Organization) Cancun meeting." "We will continue to work with the vast number of developing countries to push the Doha Round of trade talks to fulfill the development goals," Li pledged.

Li said the Chinese government "attaches great importance" to the role of the Group of 77. "Over the years, the two sides have maintained good cooperation, supporting and helping each other in the form of 'Group of 77 plus China' in the UN and other international organizations and have effectively safeguarded the common interests of developing countries."

Composed of developing countries, the Group of 77 was established in 1964 when the first UN Conference on Trade and Development was held in Geneva. The name of the group remains unchanged though its membership has been growing over the years.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2003)