Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies,

First and foremost I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation extended to Cuba to participate in this important event. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Algeria on their work at the forefront of the Group and wish every success to the Islamic Republic of Iran as they assume this important responsibility.

As soon as we found out about the interest to hold this Summit Meeting of the G-15 in Havana, in the framework of the XIV Summit of Heads of States and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, we expressed our full support of the idea.

The G-15 is certainly not a forum alien to the NAM. On the contrary. The Group was in fact created as a result of the initiative taken 17 years ago in the Non-Aligned Movement. There is no doubt that we have many diverse common interests.

We appreciate the special attention that this Group pays to issues such as trade and development, finances, South-South cooperation and North-South cooperation, with the reiteration of the long-standing demands of developing countries in this regard.

It is the opinion of Cuba that the G-15 can and must strengthen and update its role faced with the growing challenges posed by globalisation and development.

The G-15 can and must act as a catalyst for greater South-South cooperation and in this way encourage developing countries to strengthen the cohesion and solidity of their efforts to attain a more fluid and positive North-South dialogue.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished participants,

The G-15 faces many challenges. The countries of the South have no alternative but to unite and embark on action together in order to overcome the common obstacles facing us.

We trust that this meeting in Havana will come to represent an important step towards achieving the aims of the G-15, which, ultimately, are also the aims of all of the countries of the South in our struggle towards a better and more just world.

The people and Government of Cuba offer you their full support and hospitality, our modest contribution to the success that we are sure your work will enjoy.

Thank you very much

(Cubanoal) 14-09-2006