Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic yesterday stated that Serbia will continue to respect the role which Belgrade used to have in terms of boosting solidarity and cooperation with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), as well as that it will cooperate with progressive forces to bolster respect of the binding principles of the international system.
Opening the first panel discussion of the final part of the NAM ministerial meeting, Jeremic stressed that Serbia will continue to rely on its non-aligned friends, as part of its balanced and active politics.
This is our choice, as a sovereign state committed to playing a dignified role on the world stage, the Minister observed, adding that Serbia is not renewing its ties with NAM for sentimental reasons but because it believes that international stability and prosperity can be attained only by respecting the opinions of the majority in the global family of nations.
He recalled that Yugoslavia played a major role on the global scene as one of the initiators of NAM, noting that Serbia is one of the six heirs of former Yugoslavia.
For decades we have actively and consistently endorsed anti-colonialism and the struggle for national liberation in many NAM member states. We donated several billion dollars and extended other forms of support to our non-aligned friends, Jeremic recalled.
The Minister stated it is in joint interest to strengthen the fundamental principles in the world politics which should be based on the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every UN member.
Jeremic recalled that the first NAM summit was held in Belgrade in 1961 and that the principles of the movement were then formulated, including long-term peace, stability, sovereignty, social justice, development, human rights and environmental protection.
These principles have passed the test of time and are still beacons of hope and justice which we should all embrace, Jeremic observed, adding that the Belgrade Declaration, adopted in 1961, was a turning point in the world, a symbolic moment when emancipation of the majority of mankind became irreversible.
NAM comprises 118 full member states and 20 states with observer status, including Serbia.
Around 300 foreign and domestic journalists report on the meeting in Belgrade.
Source balkans.com
