Mahama in Serbia for 65th anniversary of Non-Aligned Movement
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, to participate in the 65th commemorative summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
President Mahama is attending the anniversary as a special guest of honour following an invitation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The summit marks 65 years since the Non-Aligned Movement was formally established in Belgrade on September 1, 1961, with Ghana playing a key role in its formation under the leadership of its first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
In a social media post on Tuesday, September 1, President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to the ideals that guided the movement since its establishment.
“In Belgrade for the 65th commemorative summit of the Non-Aligned Movement. Our founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, played a pioneering role in the establishment of the NAM and Ghana remains committed to the ideals and vision of the Movement,” he wrote.
The invitation was earlier announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said Ghana’s historic contribution to the formation of the movement was a key reason for President Mahama’s invitation.
Mr Ablakwa said President Mahama’s participation would provide an opportunity for Ghana to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement amid current global challenges.
The movement was founded by leaders including Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Sukarno of Indonesia.
The anniversary summit is expected to highlight the continued relevance of the movement’s principles, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic affairs, equality, nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence.