1- I have the honor to deliver these remarks on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, I would like to commend the UNOSSC for the way they have conducted the consultation process on its Strategic Framework for 2018-2021. We would also like to express our thanks to Mr. Chediek, the Director of the UNOSSC, and his team in this regard.

2- The Group of 77 and China reiterates its support to the important role of the UNOSSC and its mandate in accordance with the General Assembly resolutions in advancing, coordinating and mainstreaming South-South cooperation activities globally and across the UN system.

3- In this regard, we would like to raise the following points:

-We note the fact that the Strategic Framework (SF) aims to bring South-South and triangular cooperation to support the efforts of Member States to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions.

- South-South cooperation offers opportunities to strengthen international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, let me be clear, in reiterating, that South-South Cooperation is not a substitute for, but rather a complement to, North-South Cooperation.

- We also note with satisfaction that the principles of South - South Cooperation as stipulated in the Nairobi outcome document, and General Assembly resolutions, as well as other relevant UN policy documents on SSC, have been emphasized in the Strategic Framework. SSC agenda have to be set by countries of the South, and should continue to be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit.

- We would like to seize this opportunity to reiterate the call of the Group for the strengthening of the UNOSSC as a vital mechanism that ensures coherent and coordinated support to South-South and triangular cooperation across the United Nations system and globally.

-It is worth mentioning that the SF responds to the particular interest of developing countries in supporting and informing their policy dialogues, in enabling them to gain more access to knowledge, best experiences and development solutions in South-South Cooperation for sustainable development.

-The Group emphasizes the importance that the activities of the UNOSSC are guided by the 2030 Agenda and other Internationally Agreed Development Goals and are in line with the development priorities and strategies of developing countries.

-As we move towards the preparation of the Second United Nations High-Level Conference on South-South Cooperation to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 20 to 22 March 2018, the Group would like to consolidate its engagement with the UNOSSC.

- We have high expectations that the upcoming Conference will step up South-South cooperation on the basis of the Buenos Aires Program of Action (BAPA) and the Nairobi outcome document of the First High Level Conference on South-South Cooperation.

-Finally, I would like on behalf of the Group of 77 and China express our appreciation to the UNOSSC for their engagement with Member States for the preparation of its Strategic Framework.

Thank you.