Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdoulaye Diop is in Belgrade, Serbia, representing Transitional President and Head of State Colonel Assimi Goïta at a high-level commemorative gathering marking the 65th anniversary of the founding Non-Aligned Conference.
Established during the landmark 1961 Belgrade summit following the initial 1955 Bandung Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement emerged to safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of developing nations navigating Cold War tensions between Eastern and Western geopolitical blocs.
As a founding member of the movement, Mali’s participation carries deep historical significance, honoring the foundational legacy of first President Modibo Keïta in establishing the coalition alongside fellow leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Ahead of the official plenary sessions, Minister Diop conducted bilateral talks on Monday with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, focusing on deepening diplomatic relations between Bamako and Belgrade while exploring new avenues for technical and security cooperation.
Minister Diop is scheduled to deliver Mali’s official address during the general debate on Tuesday, September 1. His speech will outline the transitional government’s perspective on pressing global issues while reiterating Mali’s steadfast allegiance to non-alignment, state sovereignty, mutual non-interference, and equitable international partnerships.
TE/lb/abj/APA