Against the backdrop of US-China aggravation: Russia joined the Non-Aligned Movement for the first time
The summit, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade, is attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Russia has joined this organization in observer status.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the summit participants in a special message, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
In his address, Putin noted that the Non-Aligned Movement plays a very important role in international relations; it consistently insists on the principle of equality of states, respect for sovereignty and legitimate interests, and also advocates constructive multilateral dialogue strictly in accordance with the UN Charter.
“Today, when the situation in the world is becoming increasingly turbulent and humanity is faced with a growing number of threats and challenges, the positive potential of the Non-Aligned Movement is especially necessary,” said the Russian President.
Putin noted the fact that Russia has received observer status in the Non-Aligned Movement and said that this opens up new opportunities for cooperation in solving regional and global problems, ensuring security and sustainable development throughout the world.
In turn, Sergei Lavrov, who participated in the conference, said that observer status opens up a new chance for Russia to help resolve all unresolved issues, both regional and global, to ensure peace.
The Russian Foreign Minister recalled that 60 years ago the movement declared that there is no alternative to peacefully overcoming challenges, adding that the principles of the UN should not be forgotten, double standards should be avoided and it is necessary to jointly fight neo-colonialism, as well as for the protection of human rights and against terrorism.
“We hope that our ability as an observer will contribute to all coordinated actions in the interests of democratization and improved relations in the world,” Lavrov concluded.
Today, 120 countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement, plus another 17 states have observer status.
Amid US-China Tensions: Russia Joins the Non-Aligned Movement for the First Time