Selaković: The exhibition "Non-Aligned World" is an introduction to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Maja Gojković and Director of the Museum of African Art Marija Aleksić, opened the exhibition "Non-Aligned World" and on that occasion, announced a series of events that Serbia will organize as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Selaković especially emphasized the importance of the gathering that will be organized on 11 and 12 October in our capital, which will be attended by high-ranking officials from African, Asia-Pacific and South American countries.

"It is an exceptional honor for the Republic of Serbia to have the opportunity to host our traditional friends in Belgrade, having in mind the historical symbolism of our capital as a kind of a birthplace of the Movement, where the first Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement was held and at which the newly established principles of Bandung were confirmed", the Minister pointed out.

Selaković also mentioned the historical role of the Movement, pointing out that for many years it represented the "alternative voice" of a large number of countries in the period of inter-bloc divisions, contributing to preserving peace and calming tensions, and defending universal principles contained in the United Nations Charter. He added that the basic ideas of the Movement – peace, solidarity, equality, respect for the sovereignty of countries, balanced economic and social development, are still more than relevant today.

According to him, the non-aligned actually fought to be their own and to act in accordance with the wishes of their freedom-loving peoples.

The Minister referred to his recent visit to the African continent, saying that in meetings with officials of several African countries, he had the opportunity to be convinced of the sincere and traditional friendship that those countries have with Serbia, as was the case with the former Yugoslavia.

The head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that our country will continue to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa and everywhere where our non-aligned friends live.

"I am proud of our historical ties, not only with African, but also with other members of the Movement, with whom we want to deepen ties and cooperation and build some new bridges" the minister said.

Selaković ended his presentation by pointing out the importance of the Museum of African Art, the only anti-colonial museum in Europe, which is a symbol of friendly relations between non-aligned countries in Africa and the non-aligned Yugoslavia.