Morocco celebrates the anniversary of the “Group of 77”

Yesterday, Thursday in the Austrian capital, Vienna, Morocco and Colombia chaired a ceremony commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Group of 77, an intergovernmental group aimed at promoting the interests of developing countries.

Azzedine Farhan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco in Vienna, in his capacity as former President of the Group of 77 – Vienna Branch (2022), chaired this ceremony, accompanied by Laura Gil, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Colombia in Vienna and President of the Group of 77 for the year 2024.

This ceremony, which was organized at the headquarters of the United Nations Office in Vienna, was distinguished by the presence of the Directors-General and representatives of international organizations based in Vienna (the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law), the ambassadors and permanent representatives of the members of the Group of 77 and China, as well as a number of diplomats and international officials.

The interactive discussion between the co-chairs and directors-general of international organizations based in Vienna, which characterized this celebration, was an occasion for Farhan to particularly emphasize that the diversity and richness of geographical representation within the Group of 77 constitutes a gain for the group, in terms of integration, synergy and strength of proposal during Multilateral negotiations.

He also highlighted the fundamental contribution of the Group of 77 – Vienna Branch, which has always been able to maintain consensus and contribute qualitatively and positively to intergovernmental processes, within the framework of international organizations based in Vienna.

The diplomat also noted that solidarity and a cooperative approach constitute the driving force that has always prevailed in the meetings and initiatives of the Vienna branch of the G77; This can advance multilateral diplomacy in Vienna and address common challenges, especially in the context of geopolitical tension and divisions.

For their part, representatives of international organizations based in Vienna praised the collective work and contribution of the Group of 77 to the agenda of these organizations, while noting the unity and solidarity as well as the remarkable ability of the members of the group to bring viewpoints closer together and build consensus, despite the obvious difficulties in any multilateral process. Parties where national positions tend to take precedence over collective positions.

On the other hand, on the sidelines of this celebration, the permanent mission of the Kingdom of Morocco, like ten permanent missions of member states of the Group of 77, presented to guests Moroccan dishes that highlight the richness and diversity of the unique art of Moroccan cooking.

It should be noted that, in January 2022, Morocco assumed the presidency of the Vienna branch of the Group of 77 for the first time. This reflects the confidence and credibility that the Kingdom enjoys within international organizations.