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ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi participated today in an online Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),hosted by the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, the current Chairman of NAM.The meeting focussed on the theme of “Bandung+65: More Relevant, United and Effective NAM against Emerging Global Challenges, including COVID-19” to mark the 65th anniversary of the adoption of NAM’s founding principles.
In his video statement, the Foreign Minister underscored that the COVID-19 pandemic revalidated the importance of NAM’s founding principles rooted in solidarity, international cooperation and respect for multilateralism.
The Foreign Minister emphasized on strengthening of NAM’s shared values with practical actions, and offered concrete ideas in that regard. He called for strict adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and addressing the existing and emerging challenges to peace and security, especially the root causes of conflicts such as foreign occupation and suppression of fundamental rights.
The Foreign Minister reiterated deep concern at continued denial of the inalienable right to self-determination to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), guaranteed to them under several UN Security Council resolutions. He added that the “legitimate freedom struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is being brutally suppressed”.
The Foreign Minister noted the inextricable link between peace and development which necessitated concerted action to help developing countries in the realization of SDGs. A strong and coordinated response was needed to help developing countries recover effectively from the COVID crisis. The Foreign Minister recalled Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” aimed at creating increased fiscal space and financial relief for low- and middle-income countries in overcoming the adverse impact of COVID-19.
Expressing deep concern on the deteriorating security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh region, the Foreign Minister expressed solidarity with the brotherly nation of Azerbaijan and supported Azerbaijan’s position which is in line with the several UN Security Council resolutions.
The Foreign Minister concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s firm commitment to NAM and its founding principles, adding that Pakistan“will continue to support the Movement’s noble efforts towards peace, equality, cooperation and well-being for all.”
