Dasho Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary is leading the Bhutanese delegation to the 18th Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku, Azerbaijan from 5-6 April 2018. The meeting was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev.
In his address, Dasho Sonam Tshong reiterated Bhutanโs strong commitment to the Movementโs 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.
The Ministerial meeting was preceded by a two-day Senior Officials Meeting.
The NAM Ministerial Meeting provides the 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 in 2019.
Department of Multilateral Affairs
Thimphu, Bhutan