Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
At the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore, emphasized the importance of collective action and adherence to foundational principles in addressing global challenges.
Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, serving as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education, and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, delivered a compelling statement at the XIX Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on January 20, 2024. The Summit, hosted by Uganda, marked a significant gathering of the now 121-member strong Movement, with Dr. Maliki acknowledging Uganda’s chairmanship and appreciating Azerbaijan’s leadership during challenging times including the COVID-19 pandemic. He also welcomed South Sudan as the newest member of the Movement.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Maliki underscored the multiple crises facing the world, including the ongoing war in Europe between Russia and Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. He condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which led to Israeli military operations and a resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Dr. Maliki called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and compliance with international law, reiterating Singapore’s support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Highlighting the escalation of tensions in other parts of the Middle East and the challenges to international shipping in the Red Sea, Dr. Maliki stressed the importance of maintaining freedom and safety in international waters. The Minister also expressed concern over the global economic outlook, pointing to issues such as supply chain disruptions, food insecurity, and energy supply volatility, alongside the rollback in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievements.
Dr. Maliki emphasized the NAM’s potential in collectively addressing these challenges, aligning with the Summit’s theme, “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” He advocated for the defense of the Bandung Principles, which have been the foundation of the Movement, and called for stronger unity in upholding principles of non-alignment, sovereignty, and international law. Additionally, he urged the NAM to lead in tackling emerging challenges such as climate change, cyber and space issues, and technological advancements.
Concluding his address, Dr. Maliki assured Uganda of Singapore’s full support during its chairmanship, expressing confidence in the Movement’s progressive path under Uganda’s leadership.
Source – MFA
