Iran to host next NAM summit in Tehran
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the 16th summit meeting of member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) will be held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in late summer.
“This meeting is of high importance and member states of the movement have very high capacity to influence political and international developments,” Ramin Mehmanparast said Friday.
He added that participation of NAM leaders in Tehran meeting can result in positive decisions with regards to various political issues, Fars News Agency reported.
The spokesman stated that letters of invitation are being prepared to be sent to member states via the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
“Holding this meeting is a national issue and requires contribution from all sectors and organizations. We hope the meeting will be held in the best possible manner,” he added.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has the rotating presidency of the Movement for three years.
The Non-Aligned Movement is the largest grouping of countries outside of the United Nations, aimed at giving a voice to the developing world.
The organization was founded in the former Yugoslavia in 1955. NAM's 118 member states represent around 56 percent of the world population. The movement has also 17 observer members.
The purpose of the organization as stated in the Havana Declaration of 1979 is to ensure "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries.”