The State of Qatar affirmed its keenness to be an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and continue its commitment as an active member.

It also expressed its keenness to ensure the movement's unity and constructive cooperation between its countries to achieve its principles and serve its people.

This came during the speech of the State of Qatar, delivered by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, at the high-level commemorative meeting to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Belgrade.

Al Muraikhi thanked the Republic of Serbia for hosting this commemorative meeting and the Republic of Azerbaijan for its efforts while leading the work of the movement.

He said that the passage of six decades since the establishment of the NAM is an opportunity to review its rich historical legacy and chart the way to continue the active role it plays on the international scene based on the goals for which it was established.

He stated that the international community faces these days global challenges, some of which are completely different from the challenges it faced when the NAM was established, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the misuse of information and communication technology. However, what did not changed is the necessity of collective cooperation and coordination to confront common challenges, Al Muraikhi said, adding that this Movement continues to be an effective platform for joint action and the promotion of multilateralism.

HE said that the Movement, during its long journey, has played an active role in seeking to establish a just, equitable and rules-based world order and promoting adherence to principles, goals and purposes of the United Nations, such as promoting international peace and security, sovereign equality among states, and non-interference in their internal affairs, in addition to guaranteeing the right of people to enjoy economic and social development and human rights.

Al Muraikhi explained that the Movement, as an important international bloc, made valuable contributions during the past six decades in advancing international action on the issues it is concerned with, most notably the issue of Palestine, adding that the Movement still has a principled position regarding Palestine that emphasize the importance of a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement on the basis of International law, international legality and the continuous defense of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The Movement also played a prominent role in the process of reforming the United Nations and strengthening its role in the international arena and making its work more transparent, effective and accountable, so that it will be more representative and democratic, HE stated.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that we seize the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement to renew the State of Qatar's commitment to the values of the Movement and the principles of the Bandung Conference on which it was founded, and to strive to achieve a world of equality, justice and stability, adding that these principles are fully consistent with the policies and orientations of the State of Qatar at the international level.