Algerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, represented Algeria at the 50th meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 77 (G77) and China, held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Attaf emphasized the importance of the group's role in the face of profound changes in the international order, stressing the need for unity and solidarity among southern countries.
In his address, Attaf called for a more equitable multilateralism that prioritizes development and addresses structural imbalances in the international financing system. This, he said, would enable southern countries to access resources and technologies fairly and contribute to strengthening their capacities. The Algerian foreign minister also highlighted the need to ensure that digital revolution and artificial intelligence do not exacerbate the North-South divide.
Attaf urged the international community to make technology a tool for development and people's empowerment, within an inclusive global governance framework where knowledge is not monopolized and access to it is not restricted. He also engaged in several meetings and contacts with his counterparts and representatives of numerous countries during the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly session.
One of the meetings Attaf had was with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where they agreed that the time had come to ensure the establishment of a Palestinian state, based on UN resolutions and frameworks. The two diplomats emphasized the need for a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Attaf also met with European Commissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib. They reviewed the state of multidimensional cooperation between Algeria and the European Union and explored ways to develop and strengthen it, serving the priorities and common interests of both parties, particularly in crisis management and response to natural disasters.
Furthermore, Attaf met with UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, not Barham Salih as mentioned, and discussed ways to ensure support and protection for Sahrawi refugees, with the assistance of all humanitarian partners and actors. The two parties emphasized the importance of finding a solution to the refugee crisis.
The meetings held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session reflect Algeria's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and addressing global challenges. Ahmed Attaf's engagements in New York underscore Algeria's active role in promoting a more equitable multilateralism and addressing pressing issues on the international agenda.
Key points
- Ahmed Attaf calls for a more equitable multilateralism that prioritizes development.
- Attaf urges the international community to ensure that technology serves development and people's empowerment.
- Algeria seeks to strengthen cooperation with the European Union and other international partners.
