President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to embark on an official trip to Cuba next week, where he is expected to address in the upcoming “G77 Group and China” Summit.
The “G77 and China” Head of State Summit, focused on the theme of “The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Current Development Challenges,” is scheduled to take place on September 15 and 16, 2023, in Havana, Cuba.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been extended an official invitation by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel to attend the “G77 and China” Heads of State Summit.
In addition to his participation in the summit, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will engage in parallel bilateral discussions with the Cuban President. The aim of these talks is to further enhance the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and Cuba.
The “G77 and China” Heads of State Summit, recognized by the United Nations as the largest intergovernmental grouping of 134 developing countries, provides a platform for Southern nations to articulate, advocate for, and collectively negotiate their shared economic interests.
During the summit, leaders are expected to adopt the ‘Havana Declaration,’ which outlines recommended reforms and innovative approaches for Southern countries to bolster cooperation in the domains of science, technology, and innovation.
Accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the conference will be Aruni Wijewardena, the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.