TEHRAN – Speaking at the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Uganda, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber said that the Zionist regime, seeking to evade defeat, is aiming to escalate the conflict in the region to involve other nations.

The 19th NAM Summit is being held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence” in Kampala. Uganda recently took over chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement from Azerbaijan, hosting more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance on January 19 and 20.

Mokhber acknowledged Azerbaijan's support in advancing the movement amid the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic and extended gratitude for the warm hospitality of Uganda's government and its people. He also congratulated the country's leadership on hosting two significant international groups, namely the 'Non-Aligned Movement' and the 'Group of 77 and China.'

He emphasized the hope for achieving goals and progressing towards justice and fairness in the international landscape during this period. 

Mokhber, discussing the Non-Aligned Movement's role in international forums, asserted, “Revitalizing the Non-Aligned Movement serves the global community's interests, countering the West's attempts to dominate other countries politically, security-wise, economically, and culturally.” 

Addressing sensitive conditions in West Asia, Mokhber condemned the actions of the Zionist regime, stating, “The actions of the Zionist regime in killing innocent people, the brutal massacre of over 24,000 individuals, including more than 10,000 children, and the relentless and severe bombardment of homes and urban infrastructure in Gaza, tell a genocidal and violently oppressive tale against a nation with a distinct identity.” 

Iran's First Vice President regretted false claimants of human rights prioritizing interests over fundamental human rights. He emphasized that the crisis roots in more than 70 years of violence, land usurpation, and discriminatory policies against Palestinians.

Mokhber urged Non-Aligned Movement members to use their capabilities against the Zionist apartheid regime, calling for a ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid in Gaza, cessation of forced displacement of Palestinians, and reconstruction of civilian sites. “Achieving peace,” he noted, “requires ending the occupation, even in Syria and Lebanon, returning the Palestinian refugees, and making it possible for them to regain their freedom through a public referendum.”

Expressing gratitude for South Africa's case against Israel that has been taken to ICJ, the Iranian official commended the countries that play a crucial and constructive role in preventing war and promoting sustainable peace in the world.

Concerned about global passivity on the Palestine issue, exemplified by the inefficiency of the United Nations Security Council, Mokhber emphasized the Non-Aligned Movement's historical role in promoting peace and justice. He asked for the establishment of new networks of comprehensive cooperation with a focus on neighbors and Asia-centric priorities, rejecting unilateralism. 

“Priorities in our region include setting up common security mechanisms, developing ground, air, and maritime transit infrastructures, and preserving the environment. The Islamic Republic of Iran, an active participant in the Non-Aligned Movement, consistently contributes to maintaining peace, security, and friendly relations among regional countries. It also plays a role in combating malevolent phenomena such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and foreign occupation in the region, presenting logical initiatives to promote peace and friendship,” he commented.

In conclusion, Mokhber affirmed Iran's readiness to cooperate with Uganda and enhance the Non-Aligned Movement efficiency for shared benefits.

Iran, Vietnam vow to expand multilateral cooperation

On the sidelines of the summit, Mokhber engaged in discussions with Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of Vietnam, to explore opportunities for expanding multilateral cooperation.

Mokhber acknowledged the longstanding historical relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Vietnam, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced economic ties, with active involvement from the private sector and the removal of financial barriers.

He underscored the Iranian government's commitment to fostering comprehensive relations, especially in trade and economics with Vietnam. 

Additionally, Mokhber highlighted the significance of utilizing national currencies in trade interactions and suggested a joint meeting between the central banks of Iran and Vietnam to address practical solutions and eliminate financial barriers.

He addressed the heinous crimes of the Zionist regime against the people of Gaza, emphasizing the shared adversity faced by Iran and Vietnam. He stressed the necessity for increased participation and utilization of all capacities in international forums to halt these atrocities.

The Vice President of Vietnam also expressed satisfaction with the meeting and emphasized the need to intensify efforts for the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. 

She condemned the unjust sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Iran, advocating the utilization of regional and international organizations' capacities to foster bilateral cooperation.

Vo Thi Anh Xuan affirmed Vietnam's commitment to the fundamental principles of the Non-Aligned Movement in promoting global peace and stability. She highlighted Vietnam's active participation in providing assistance to the oppressed people of Gaza and urged an immediate halt to the Zionist regime's crimes against the Palestinian population.

Mokhber also had meetings with the Enrique Manalo, Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and with Ali Al-Sadiq Ali, Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of developing bilateral cooperations.