GRANMA September 16, 2006
Russian President Putin Salutes Non-Aligned Summit
I send my greetings to the participants and guests at the 14th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Today the world is facing new threats, such as terrorism, crises, ethnic conflicts, imbalances in economic development, and environmental problems. I believe that the most appropriate response to these current challenges is in the search for collective solutions. That's to say, not by a few countries on an individual basis but, instead, with the more active participation of regional and international organizations.
This is precisely what makes the Non-Aligned Movement so relevant today. Its members -more than a hundred countries- are open to constructive debate on the most pressing problems, willing to make compromises and arrive at joint positions.
I am convinced that those principles are just, and should be the basis of the system of international relations built in the 21st century.
The Russian Federation and the Non-Aligned Movement are joined by mutual responsibility for the future of the world, a shared desire to reverse the inertia of confrontation, and well as a common vocation for multilateral cooperation.
Our relations have a long and rich history. They are invariably based on mutual respect, on a high level of understanding, and on the desire to cooperate. We work hand in hand within the framework of the largest global forum: the United Nations. Arriving at fair and just decisions as to how to reform the UN -as current times require-responds to our common interests.
I want to underline that for Russia, NAM is not only an importantpartner; we believe it is also one of the key elements in forging contemporary international relations, and we support greater cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and all of humanity.
I wish you a successful summit, as well as send my best wishes to all of your participants and guests.
Vladimir Putin, president of the Russian Federation
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