State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel attended and delivered a statement at the Forty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China, held on Friday, 23 September 2022. The Ministerial Meeting was in the form on an interactive dialogue and exchange of views on the theme “Addressing the food, fuel, and finance crises and pathways towards achieving the SDGs”.

State Minister Khaleel highlighted the importance of coming together to transform the international economic system so that it is fairer and more inclusive. He further stated unity and solidarity of the Group is important in ensuring that the common interests are represented in the multilateral arena.

State Minister Khaleel also stated that the Group must ensure that previous commitments are translated into substantial action. He noted that this is a particularly important on the climate front and reiterated the relevance of the Group in helping developing states adapt and work together to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

State Minister Khaleel highlighted the hurdle faced by developing countries access concessional finance as well. He noted that the existing methodology for deciding ODA eligibility does not account for the unique vulnerabilities faced by developing countries and SIDS. State Minister Khaleel stated that the Maldives will continue to support the implementation of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for concessional financing and urged the members of the Group of 77 and China to lend their support to operationalize MVI.

Concluding his statement, State Minister Khaleel stressed on the importance of working together to achieve peace and sustainable development.  

At the Forty-Sixth Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China, the Republic of Cuba was elected as the Chair Country of the Group of 77 and China for the year 2023.