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Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies,
 First
and foremost I would like to express my
gratitude for the invitation extended to Cuba to
participate in this important event. I would
also like to take this opportunity to
congratulate Algeria on their work at the
forefront of the Group and wish every success to
the Islamic Republic of Iran as they assume this
important responsibility.
As soon as we found out about the interest to
hold this Summit Meeting of the G-15 in Havana,
in the framework of the XIV Summit of Heads of
States and Government of the Non-Aligned
Movement, we expressed our full support of the
idea.
The G-15 is certainly not a forum alien to the
NAM. On the contrary. The Group was in fact
created as a result of the initiative taken 17
years ago in the Non-Aligned Movement. There is
no doubt that we have many diverse common
interests.
We appreciate the special attention that this
Group pays to issues such as trade and
development, finances, South-South cooperation
and North-South cooperation, with the
reiteration of the long-standing demands of
developing countries in this regard.
It is the opinion of Cuba that the G-15 can and
must strengthen and update its role faced with
the growing challenges posed by globalisation
and development.
The G-15 can and must act as a catalyst for
greater South-South cooperation and in this way
encourage developing countries to strengthen the
cohesion and solidity of their efforts to attain
a more fluid and positive North-South dialogue.
Mr. Chairman, distinguished participants,
The G-15 faces many challenges. The countries of
the South have no alternative but to unite and
embark on action together in order to overcome
the common obstacles facing us.
We trust that this meeting in Havana will come
to represent an important step towards achieving
the aims of the G-15, which, ultimately, are
also the aims of all of the countries of the
South in our struggle towards a better and more
just world.
The people and Government of Cuba offer you
their full support and hospitality, our modest
contribution to the success that we are sure
your work will enjoy.
Thank you very much
(Cubanoal) 14-09-2006
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