Uganda to chair Non-Aligned Movement in 2023

Oct 13, 2021

Odongo expressed the relevancy of upholding the ideals of NAM in dialogue to establish a peaceful and prosperous world as well as a just and equitable order.

Foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo participating in the 60th Anniversary of the 1st NAM in Belgrade, Serbia. Courtesy photos

Umar Kashaka
Journalist @New Vision

Foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo has said Uganda has been confirmed for the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The minister, who has been participating in the 60th Anniversary of the 1st NAM in Belgrade, Serbia, said Uganda will take over the chairmanship from Azerbaijan in 2023.

The commemorative conference opened on October 11 and ended on October 12 by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic. 

It reflected on the historical principles of NAM and its achievements since its founding in 1961.

Odongo expressed the relevancy of upholding the ideals of NAM in dialogue to establish a peaceful and prosperous world as well as a just and equitable order, according to the statement released by his ministry.

He underscored the role of multilateralism and solidarity, which is required more than ever in responding to current and future global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, threats of terrorism, and their consequences to global peace and development. 

Odongo pledged that the chairmanship of Uganda will be anchored in the basic etiquette of international relations based on the universal principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as well as the founding principles of the NAM.

He emphasised that the principles of the UN Charter and the recognition of universally acceptable norms of international law are indispensable in preserving and promoting peace and security, the rule of law, economic development, social progress, and human rights for all.

On the side-lines of the conference, Odongo held meetings with his counterparts of Serbia, South Africa, Venezuela, India, Azerbaijan, and State of Palestine on matters of multilateralism and NAM which could benefit Uganda from their experiences in chairing a successful NAM in 2023.

At the bilateral meeting with the minister of foreign affairs of Serbia, Odongo signed a donation agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Uganda of 40,000 (forty thousand) doses of Vaxzevria (COVID19 AstraZeneca) donated by Serbia to Uganda.

The Serbian foreign minister also announced a total of ten (10) scholarships for Ugandan students to take up studies in relevant fields critical to Uganda’s development.

Odongo expressed gratitude to the Serbian foreign minister and Government for the generous donation of the COVID-19 vaccines by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the scholarships offered to Uganda. The Ministers affirmed the existing good cordial relations and agreed to further deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

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