Co-chairs,

1- On behalf of the Group of 77 and China I would like to make the following comments on the agenda item (2) "provisional agenda and other related matters" before its adoption.

2- The Group of 77 and China would like to stress on the organizational nature of our session, in accordance with Op (5/a) of the GA resolution 72/277. As such, we do not expect any substantive discussions to take place during our session, particularly under agenda item (4) on "Agenda for the substantive sessions" and, agenda item (5) on 'information on the documents to be considered by the substantive sessions".

3- The Group underlines the importance of the full involvement and, engagement of developing countries in work of the ad hoc open-ended working group, which could only be possible through the provision of adequate financial assistance to ensure the participation of delegations from developing countries.

4- Having said that, the Group remains committed to engage in a constructive manner and to support the co-chairs in conducting their work. We are willing to engage in the further discussion on the provisional agenda. The Group will further explain its position during the discussion of each agenda item.

Thank you.