comprehensive and co-ordinated aPProach to the task of mi tiqati nq the problems of the least developed countries. We also hooe that the international communitv will find aPPropriate mechanisms within the overall strateqv for international economic co-oPeration to take account of the soecial and unique nature of the Problems of land-locked and island developina countries. As we call for renewed efforts in international oo-ooeration for development, we should 1 ike to draw attention to the decline in multilateral ism and to the reduction in suPPOrt for multilateral orqan izations enqaaed in the process of assistinq develooinq countries. It should be noted that for rredium-sized and smaller develoPina countries, multilateral ~velopment and financial institutions have imPortant roles and there fore require the continued suPport of donor countries. In the field of socio-economic development, Bhutan has nade tremendous Proqress in the Past 25 years. A larae measure of that proaress has been made POssible throuqh substantial supPOrt from friendlv donor countries and multilateral orqanizations. While Bhutan fully recoani.zes that the primary resoonsibilitv for the develooment of t ts people and the protection of its environment rests with itself, considerable support from external sources is required owina to the larae investments still required in Public and social infrastructure. In discussions of the extent and role of such external resources with the multilateral and donor communities, the question of absorPtive capacitv has verv often been raised. In that connection, it should be noted that, more often than not, the issue of EMS/5 A/S-18/PV. 10 7 (Mr~ Tsherinq; Bhutan) absorptive capaci tv ·is related to increasinC!lV com Plica ted and riqid aid modalities. These issues nust be examined as a part of the review of economic co-oPer at ion. The decline in super-Power hostilitv presents an opoortune moment once aqain to underscore the intrinsic link between disarmament and development. Defence 
**Analysis**
The text discusses international cooperation and development, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by least developed countries, land-locked and island developing countries, and the importance of multilateral organizations in supporting their development. It also touches on the issue of absorptive capacity and the link between disarmament and development. The text does not explicitly mention any specific sector or industry, but rather addresses broader development and economic cooperation themes.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief