Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya urged developing countries on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in addressing the many challenges ahead.

"In today's world, the expansion of economic globalization and dramatic progress in science and technology has created rare opportunities for development," Wang said at the 31st annual meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of 77. "At the same time, the world is also faced with new challenges such as imbalance in the global economy and trade, mounting pressure caused by shortages of energy and resources, and instability in the financial market."

Financial difficulty, trade barriers and a widening gap between the rich and poor, and deteriorating environment are the other challenges facing the developing world, he said.

Wang urged a strengthening of coordination on major issues to defend common interests.

"Mutual support is a fine tradition and virtue of the Group of 77 and China," he said. "To speak with one voice sustains our influence."

  Wang also called for stronger North-South dialogue, a focus on priority issues such as financing for development, the Doha round of talks, and climate change, and better South-South cooperation.

He praised the Group of 77 as an important and dynamic force in the international arena that has made significant contribution to promoting democracy in international relations, facilitating the North-South dialogue and advancing the interests of developing countries.

"To consolidate and strengthen unity and cooperation with other developing countries has always been a cornerstone of China's diplomacy," Wang said. "China firmly supports and actively participates in the South-South cooperation, and is a strong partner of the Group of 77."

Wang said China is implementing major measures aimed at supporting the accelerated development of developing countries.

"China will continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Group of 77, and work together with other developing countries to make contribution to the building of a more harmonious and prosperous world," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2007)