Starović: Serbia committed to strengthening ties with African, Asia-Pacific and South American countries

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nemanja Starović, opened an ambassadorial conference today on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, organized by the Institute of International Politics and Economy.

In his address, Starović referred to and pointed out the historical contribution of the Non-Aligned Movement to key processes such as decolonization, the fight against apartheid, encouraging disarmament, progress in the economic and social status of underdeveloped and developing countries and fostering a culture of peace and dialogue.

"Strong messages from the Belgrade Summit in 1961 led to the impressive growth of the Movement, which grew from 25 founding states gathered in Belgrade on 1 September 1961, to a global power of 120 member states that now make up almost two-thirds of UN member states", said the secretary of state. He added that in addition to numerous temptations, the Movement remained faithful to its basic principles and goals, and that the principles of Bandung are still very relevant today, especially when it comes to the importance of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations.

In light of the current corona virus pandemic, Starović noted that such challenges do not know the borders of countries and that it is necessary to work actively to find common answers, and in this regard, said that our country is firmly convinced that multilateralism is the best framework for finding sustainable solutions.

Starović emphasized that Serbia, as the successor of the former Yugoslavia, is sincerely committed to nurturing and deepening ties with friendly African, Asia-Pacific and South American countries, and especially underlined that the high-level gathering in Belgrade on 11 and 12 October will be an opportunity for our country to host traditional friends with whom it wants to build closer relations and cooperation. The secretary of state used this opportunity and invited the delegations of the countries whose representatives participated in today's conference to be present in October in Belgrade.

"Serbia has always been and will remain a sincere and reliable partner to all countries in building a more stable, just, developed and prosperous world", Starović said, ending his address by expressing his firm belief that the Non-Aligned Movement will continue to play an active and constructive role, with the aim of achieving lasting peace and prosperity.