A Bhutanese delegation led by foreign secretary Sonam Tshong is attending the 18th mid-term ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Azerbaijan from April 5-6.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, inaugurated the meeting.

According to a press release from the foreign ministry, the secretary in his address, reiterated Bhutan’s strong commitment to the movement’s principles of self-determination, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-aggression, and non-interference in internal affairs.

He highlighted the relevance and importance of NAM, especially to smaller member states of the Movement. He also called for grater financial and technical support to countries, which are transitioning from the least developed countries to middle income countries to ensure that the transition is sustainable.

A two-day senior officials meeting preceded the Ministerial meeting.

The NAM ministerial meeting provides a platform for the 120 member states to come together and discuss global and regional issues of interest to the movement. The 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement will also be held in Baku, Azerbaijan next year.

Staff reporter