Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 1 /Trend E.Tariverdiyeva/
The 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran will bring forward more steps to address issues standing on our common agenda, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at the summit.
Azerbaijan is committed to the letter and spirit of the NAM's purposes and principles.
"Azerbaijan carries out independent foreign policy and is not party to any military alliance. At the same time, Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing country with the Government that puts a special emphasis on democratization, fostering the respect for human rights and social justice. Azerbaijan has initiated development aid projects for several member nations of the Movement and we consider broadening those activities in the future, as well," the Minister said.
He noted that Azerbaijan is thankful for the reiteration of the firm support by the NAM member states expressed in the Final Document for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan.
"Being the second largest political international organization after the UN, the NAM provides a broad and inclusive forum for political consultations and practical cooperation. In doing so, it has enabled member countries to make consistent efforts towards a more peaceful and secure international order," Mammadyarov said.
Some of the most important achievements of the twentieth century such as the success of the decolonization movement and the emergence of a global social development agenda are among the Movement's impressive contributions to the world so far.
"Yet we all agree that there is still a long way to go to fully achieve purposes of the Movement. Today's meeting is taking place in an important period in the sense that the world community encounters the new emerging challenges and opportunities for the peace, security and sustainable development," he noted.
Mammadyarov added that the recent environmental, economic and social indicators demonstrate that the models for progress and development need to be modified and adapted.
The movement is an international organization uniting 120 world countries on principles of non-participation in military blocs.
NAM was formally created by 25 countries at the Belgrade Conference in September 1961.