Vietnam's Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan addresses a plenary session of the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala, Uganda, on January 20, 2024” (Photo: VNA)

In her speech, Ms. Xuan affirmed NAM’s leading role in upholding international law, consolidating multilateralism, promoting disarmament, reducing inequality at economic and financial institutions, contributing to the settlement of global issues.

She expressed her belief that with 120 member states representing nearly 60% of the world’s population and about 20% of the global GDP, the movement will continue promoting solidarity in a divided world.

Vice President Xuan suggested member countries have a common voice to resolve global challenges and object to the actions running counter to the principles of peace and independence. They should show the solidarity with the Palestinian people and call for the removal of unilateral sanctions and embargoes against Cuba and other member states.

She asked NAM to respect the viewpoints and protect the interests of its members and appealed to the movement to continue respecting and supporting efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the purposes of peace, security, and stability in the East Sea and Southeast Asia, and step up the settlement of disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

During the two-day Summit, participating leaders adopted the final document reflecting the movement’s viewpoints on international and regional issues; the Kampala Declaration reaffirming NAM’s principles and values; and a statement demonstrating the solidarity with the Palestinian people.

At the event, South Sudan was admitted to NAM, the first new member of the movement in 30 years.