On 24 September 2015, H.E. Mr. Apichart Chinwanno, Ambassador of Thailand to France, attended the 39th Annual Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 as the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The Meeting was convened during the regular session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York, USA. H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, President of the General Assembly for the 70th session, as well as G77 foreign ministers and high level representatives also attended the said Meeting.

At the meeting, the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand delivered a statement expressing his gratitude to the G77 members for the endorsement of Thailand’s Chairmanship of the G77 for the year 2016. This reflects trust and confidence in Thailand within the international arena, as well as demonstrating Thailand’s readiness and leading role in continuing its responsibility in promoting cooperation among developing countries.

Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that, as Chairman of the G77 in the upcoming year, Thailand is committed to promoting a more participative and democratic world economy, and  pursuing the needs and aspirations of developing countries. Moreover, Thailand stands ready to serve as a “bridge-builder” among the G77 members, and in the relationship of the group with the other members states of the United Nations.

Thailand is one of the founding members of the G77, which was established on 15th June 1964 by 77 developing countries. Currently, the group has grown to 134 members, but still preserves the name “G77” due to its historical significance. G77 is the largest inter-governmental organization of developing countries in the UN. It serves as a platform for developing countries to build up their economic cooperation and development. It also contributes to the progress of the South-South cooperation.