Vietnam works to hold firm to orientations of Non-Aligned Movement

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam worked actively at the 17th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to hold firm to the NAM’s orientations amidst the current complex global situation, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc told the press.

He said at the summit, held in Venezuela on September 17-18, Vietnam together with other ASEAN countries promoted solidarity and kept basic principles of the NAM, especially non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, non-coercion, and settlement of disputes by peaceful measures as in line with international law.

Vietnam and many countries emphasised the need to prioritise dealing with urgent issues of the Movement and the humankind such as sovereignty and independence protection, sustainable development, and climate change response, thereby ensuring common interests of the NAM members.

The Vietnamese delegation also supported and actively discussed with Venezuela, which is holding the NAM chairmanship, to handle problems and differences arising at the summit in a constructive manner, thus contributing to the success of the event, Ngoc noted.

At the summit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh delivered an important speech which was welcomed by the participating nations.

Ngoc said the 17th NAM Summit saw the presence of 22 country leaders and Prime Ministers, 11 Vice Presidents and Deputy Prime Ministers from 104 of the 120 member countries.

Under the theme “Peace, Sovereignty and Solidarity for Development”, they reiterated the basic values and common goals of the NAM and considered them as the foundation for the Movement to consolidate solidarity and enhance coordination to cope with current challenges such as wars, conflicts, interference, overthrow, terrorism, along with sovereignty protection and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The final document of the summit affirmed the NAM members’ resolve to protect basic principles of the Movement, highlight the role of international law, and promote the reform of the UN and global governance systems towards democracy and equality. The document also asked developed countries to assist developing nations through ensuring ODA provision and an equal and fair environment for development, Deputy Minister Ngoc said.

He added that the solidarity among the ASEAN countries was shown clearly through raising the East Sea issue at the summit and calling for self-restraint and avoidance of using force. They urged for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, respect to diplomatic and legal processes, full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and expeditious finalisation of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters.

Giving more information about the NAM, the official said the Movement, established in 1961 amid the Cold War, gathered countries that had just gained independence then. It aims to prevent the interference of imperialist nations, keep peace and independence, and develop together.

The NAM operates on the basis of the 10 principles approved at the Asia-Africa conference in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955. It now groups 120 countries, most of which are in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Vietnam became a NAM member in 1976.-VNA