operation of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) in Namibia. May I therefore add my own voice in congratulating and thanking you and your Special Representative and his deputy for a job well done. Finally, let me underscore the fact that our common survival on planet Earth is best assured through mutual support and close co-operation. The Republic of Namibia is ready to make its humble contribution in that direction. BCT/PLJ A/S-18/PV.lO 38-40 Mr~·PERERA (Sri Lanka): I should like to join preceding speakers in conqratula tinq Ambassador JosePh Garba on his election to preside over the eighteenth special session of the General Assembly. Sri Lanka has great pleasure in welcoming Namibia as the !60th Member of the Organization. We offer it our warm congratulations and best wishes. We are confident that Namibia will plav a constructive and valuable role in our common efforts to promote the purposes of the United Nations. On behalf of my delegation I should like to thank Mr. Perez de Cuellar, the Secretary-General, for his statement. Mv delegation would also like to make a special reference to the Secretariat, which has fulfilled its duties diligentlY· We are devoting this special session to international economic co-operation, in particular the revitalization of economic qrowth and development of the developing countries. Sri Lanka is glad that this special session was convened and expects the international community, comprising the developed and the develoPing countries, to understand the problems all of us are faced with and take immediate and vigorous steps to solve them. For prosperity to be legitimate it is necessary that large segments of the population do not survive in conditions of abject poverty. While the eradication of PovertY is almost an unattainable Utopian aspiration, it has been well demonstrated that the alleviation of poverty is within the reach of countries 1 ike 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement made by a representative of Sri Lanka at a United Nations special session focused on international economic cooperation. The speaker congratulates Namibia on its membership and expresses hope that the country will play a constructive role in promoting the purposes of the UN. The statement also highlights the importance of addressing poverty and promoting economic growth and development, particularly for developing countries. These themes suggest that the category is likely to be related to economic development and international cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade