It is my assessment that the OPEC countries are not insensitive to the problem facing the most seriously affected countries. Many of them have individually pledged support. The OPEC Summit Declaration of Algiers also represents a manifestation of their collective will. However, the balance of payments problem facing so many of the developing countries is so enormous that much more needs to be done and that too urgently. Therefore, while we are appreciative of all that the OPEC countries are doing we will continue to stress the gravity of the situation and the need for concrete measures being adopted on the priority basis to relieve the heavy burdens placed on several countries, including India.
As a founder member, India continues to render important and useful service to the cause of non-alignment, as in the past conferences. The Chairmanship of one of the main committees was entrusted to India (Foreign Secretary was appointed Chairman of Economic Committee.) We were happy to receive full cooperation and understanding from other members, in the consideration of several important issues.
In the Economic Committee, in particular, our views received a positive response from others, as was reflected in the Economic Delaration - especially points relating to MSACs*.
The holding of the meeting in Havana was an event of special significance for Cuba which is seeking to reinforce its links not only with Latin America but also with the non-aligned and developing world in general. We were much impressed by the excellent arrangements made for the Conference and deeply grateful for the welcome and hospitality extended to us.
I took the opportunity of my visit to Havana to met and hold important discussion with Cuban leaders including Prime Minister Dr. Castro. These discussions have contributed to further strengthening of Indo-Cuban relations which are already very close and cordial. We agreed that efforts should be made for greater cooperation in the economic and technical fields.
I also made a visit to Guyana, another important non-aligned country in the Caribean, with whom we have very close and friendly relations based on a long history of association and cooperative relationship. My talks with Foreign Minister Ramphal and others were extremely valuable. We are confident that my visit would lead to expanding co-operation between India and Guyana in many fields.
It is important to remember that the growth and evolution of the non-aligned movement has been marked by a series of meetings since 1961. In between the Summit Conferences, non-aligned countries have been meetings at the level of foreign Ministers and also held coordinating meetings at other levels. All these meetings have made important contributions to the development of the solidarity and unity of non-aligned countries. The Havana meeting was a significant stage in this continuing process. As members are aware, there will be a meeting of Foreign Ministers of all non-aligned countries at Lima in autumn this year. Next year we will have the 5th Summit Conference at Colombo. The decision reached at the Havana meeting will undoubtedly provide a valuable basis for these forthcoming conference of the non-aligned and contributed to the further consolidation of the soverignty and independence of all non-aligned countries and the building of a new world order based on peace, equality, justice and progress for all mankind.