AGENDA ITEMS 8 AND 9 (continued) GENERAL DEBATE Mr. SRITHIRATH (Lao People's Democratic Republic) (interpretation from French): The delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is verv haPPY to see Mr. Garba once again presiding over the General AssemblY at its eighteenth special session. We are certain that, with his well-known diplomatic skills and extensive experience of international affairs, the session will be successful in its work. We should also like to hail the admission of the Republic of Namibia into the great family of nations a; the !60th member of the Organization. We warmly welcome into our Assembly that young, independent State's delegation led bv its Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Hage Geingob. The convening of the current special session devoted to international economic co-operation, in particular the revitalization of the economic qrowth and JB/2 A/S-18/PV. 7 3-5 (Mr. Srithirath, Lao People's Democratic Republic) development of developinq countries, is of major importance, particularlY at a time when we are witnessing the alarming deterioration in the economic situation of many developing countries. The overall relaxation of tens ion in international relations, which we have been witnessing for some time, and which has been marked by an escalation of efforts everywhere to pronote mutual understanding, detente and constructive dialogue between States, also seems to auqur well for the work of the Assembly. Indeed, the absence of war or armed conflict cannot in itself quarantee the peace and security so eagerly desired throuqhout the world, where the interdependence of States and reqions, be they rich or poor, has now become an undeniable reality. The notion of international peace and security would be meaningless if we were unable to provide all peoPles of the planet with adequate material and moral 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the revitalization of economic growth and development of developing countries, which suggests a focus on economic development and international cooperation. The speaker also mentions the interdependence of states and regions, which implies a connection to international relations and global issues.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade