September 1 is the Day of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

NAM was founded on September 1 with the purpose of strengthening mutual cooperation and unity among newly independent countries to defend the national independence from aggression and domination by the dominationist forces and to achieve independent development.

With anti-imperialism and independence as its idea and nonalignment as its basic principle, NAM has rejected all kinds of domination, subordination, aggression and war, and has also waged vigorous struggles to achieve sovereignty of the country and nation since its establishment. And its international influence has steadily strengthened in the process.

The developing countries couldn’t protest against imperialism even though they became subject to and were made scapegoat of its exploitation and plunder. But they have emerged as an organized political force in international society. This was an important event that occurred in the course of struggle for freedom and liberation and for building an independent and righteous world by the popular masses.

The first NAM Summit was held on September 1, 1961. The NAM Ministerial Meeting held in New Delhi, India in February 1981 proclaimed September 1 the Day of Non-Aligned Movement and agreed to celebrate it every year.

NAM had only 25 member states at its birth. It has now grown and gained strength as a comprehensive international movement involving 120 member states and a powerful anti-imperialist independent force of the modern age. This speaks for itself that global independence is irresistible trend of the times and the common desire of humankind.

NAM has emerged in the international arena as an independent and organized political force with profound influence over the world revolution and international politics. It should play a leading role in overcoming prevailing difficulties and building a peaceful and just new world by the dint of strategy of unity.

As affirmed in the Baku Summit and other summits, NAM should invariably maintain independence and peace as the underlying ideals of the Movement, safeguard sovereignty of the nation, and further strengthen unity and collective action so as to oppose and reject the arbitrariness and high-handedness of the U.S. and the West as well as their moves of interference in internal affairs and decoupling maneuvers.

In order to strengthen the position and increase the influence of the NAM, we have to protect the interests of member states in major international issues dealt and discussed in the UN and give full support and encouragement to the member states in their efforts to vitalize South-South cooperation based on collective self-reliance.

As an immediate step, we should terminate the crisis caused by malignant virus threatening the human existence at the earliest possible date, and further strengthen exchanges, cooperation and solidarity for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and establishing new international order based on justice and equality.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said we should strengthen and develop the NAM. He clarified that the NAM should take up its position and fulfil its role as befits the powerful anti-war, peace-loving force, and its member states should strive to accomplish the cause of global independence upholding the banner of independence against imperialism.

The DPRK will actively encourage the development of friendly and cooperative relations with the NAM countries under the idea of independence, peace and friendship, and make all its efforts for strengthening and developing the Movement and for promoting its joint action.