A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung attended a Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on October 23.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung (Source: VNA) 

Speaking at the event, Dung said NAM is an important political force that has a strong voice to protect the interests of developing countries.

He said the movement, to deal with challenges and promote its role, needs to boost solidarity and act in line with the Bangdung principles as a basis for its work toward supporting multilateralism and international law.

The official also recommended member nations seek measures to improve mechanisms and working methods for better cooperation within the organisation.

Dung took the occasion to affirm that Vietnam and ASEAN member states are striving to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Southeast Asia.

He noted such efforts, however, are being threatened by complex developments in the East Sea, particularly violations of sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its territorial waters as defined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam calls for NAM member states to back ASEAN’s concerted efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the region, Dung said.

Participating ministers focused their discussions on a series of international and regional issues and on completing the preparations for the upcoming 18th NAM Summit slated for October 25 and 26.

In his opening speech at the meeting, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov spoke highly of NAM’s key role in sustaining international peace and security. He added that the movement needs to improve to meet the demands of its member states, while stepping up cooperation in economy, energy, environment, and sustainable development, among others.

Established in 1961, NAM is dedicated to representing the interests and aspirations of developing countries, and now has 120 members from Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 60 percent of UN members. Vietnam joined the organisation in 1976.