Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, on Friday, took part in the virtual meeting held for the foreign ministers of the Group of 77 (G77) and China.
Speaking at this year's thematic debate, titled "Global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the obstacles it poses to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and achievement of the SDGs", Shahid highlighted the importance of multilateralism in overcoming the ongoing pandemic, and the negative effect on the economies of developed and developing countries, caused by the impact on "supply and demand".
Moreover, he noted that that poverty will increase along with the wage-gap, which will pose challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Shahid welcomed the Debt Service Suspension Initiative launched by the G20 countries, and urged the G77 countries to suggest the G20 countries to postpone debt repayments for 2021.
The foreign minister also supported the G77's calls for providing additional foreign aid, without specific requirements, for developing countries.
Noting the increased reports of violence during the lockdowns implemented worldwide due to the pandemic, he stressed on the importance of equality in reaching the SDGs.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of increasing youth engagement to achieve the 2030 agenda.
The Group of 77 and China is a coalition made up of 134 developed and developing countries.
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