Vietnam – a model in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
This was agreed by many participants at the ministerial meeting to mark NAM’s 50th anniversary in Belgrade, Serbia.
Although Vietnam was not a founding member the country had always actively participated in the Non-alignment Movement (NAM) before officially joining it in 1976.
At this year’s meeting, Vietnam joined with India, Indonesia, Egypt, and Serbia to deliver key-not speeches.
In his speech, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Luong Minh drew much attention from other participants. He noted that Vietnam was appointed one of Vice Chairmen of the 16th NAM Ministerial Meeting in Indonesia several months ago.
Through its long and hard struggle against foreign invaders for national independence, Vietnam has actively contributed to the development of NAM, he said the country attended the Asian-African conference, and a precursor of NAM, in Indonesia in 1955 during which Vietnam helped strengthen solidarity among the newly-independent countries and formulate the basic principles of the movement.
In the 1960s and 1970s, although Vietnam was not an official member, it made great contributions to the struggle for national independence of NAM member countries and for eradication of colonialism and imperialism in the world.
Since Vietnam became an official member of NAM on June 28, 1976, the country has made initiatives and proposals to contribute to the common struggle for peace, national independence, democracy, social progress and development.
Angola Foreign Minister Manuel Domingo praised Vietnam’s role as an active member of NAM. With its political stability and economic growth, Vietnam will continue to play more actively in the movement.”
Vietnam always protects NAM’s basic principles and goals in respect to peace, stability, and national sovereignty. In addition, it has made practical contributions for the benefit of all members and for regional and international stability.
As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2008-2009, Vietnam put forth many initiatives to gather opinions for the annual report on UNSC operation which was highly appreciated at the 15th NAM summit in Egypt in 2009.
Myanmar Foreign Minister Myo Mint said Vietnam plays a leading role in ASEAN and its economy is growing well. “I believe that Vietnam will improve its status and make more contributions to NAM”, Minister Mint added.
Together with attending joint activities, Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh held a working session with Tunisia Foreign Minister Mouloli Kefi who said Vietnam is a typical example for other countries to learn from its experiences in developing economy, promoting social progress and maintaining traditional culture.
Vietnam will work closely with other member countries to maintain peace and international security and create a favourable environment for the cause of national development through promoting dialogue to prevent and settle disputes and conflicts on the basis of the UN Chapter and the basic principles of international law.
Vietnam will do its best to strengthen solidarity within the movement, promote South-South cooperation to cope with global issues, actively contribute to the NAM struggle for UN reform and the efforts of multi-institutions, including financial institutions, to better deal with the crisis and serve the interests of NAM members, especially developing countries.