St Kitts and Nevis: Foreign Minister Mark Brantley addresses NAM Summit in Serbia

Belgrade: Foreign Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Mark Brantley addressed the high-level meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Belgrade, Serbia on October 11, 2021.

During his address at NAM, FM Brantley congratulated Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of NAM, for Steller leadership and willingness to preside the Summit to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement.

[caption id="attachment_38155" align="aligncenter" width="389"] Foreign Minister Mark Brantley with St Kitts and Nevis Delegation in Serbia[/caption] “History tells us that just over 60 years ago, our world sat on the turbulent crossroads of a cold war, most of our member states struggled against colonialism and aggression; we fought for our freedom, our rights, our sovereignty. Thanks to the visionary leadership of the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement who saw the critical importance of international peace and security for a viable future, and the need for an alternative approach to global affairs, the initial cornerstone of this movement was laid, uniting our countries under the core principles of Bandung,” said Mark Brantley.

While commending the successful navigation of the varying geopolitical issues and challenges of the current time, the Foreign Minister emphasized that after the 60 years period, the world is now standing on another crossroads with the new and emerging challenges that also demand the collective strength, cooperation, and urgent attention to the NAM.

The overwhelming response to the NAM Summit was a testament of its high importance and confidence in its ability to bring about transformative and actual changes to the approach to tackle the threats of the 21st century.

“As small island developing states, Saint Kitts and Nevis and our Caribbean region continue to confront numerous challenges that jeopardize our development agenda. The global pandemic has exposed the inherent weaknesses of our health and socio-economic architecture, and it has considerably eroded our post-independence gains. When we consider this and add to it the existential threat of climate change, limited access to concessionary financing, de-risking of correspondent banking services and the escalating cost of food and commodities, we quickly recognize that every sector of our Caribbean civilization is being adversely affected,” FM Brantley added. He added that these challenges are not unique to Saint Kitts and Nevis and, more particularly the Caribbean; these challenges demonstrate the similarities in struggles which developing countries are increasingly facing – complex and multipolar world.

“From its inception, multilateralism has been the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement, recognizing the value of unifying our resources to confront common challenges. Today, 60 years on, this movement is stronger than ever, and is better positioned to effect meaningful change. Alone we may be small and voiceless, but together our collective voices can reverberate and create a beautiful symphony for change,” Foreign Minister asserted.

He reassured that St Kitts and Nevis remains committed to the principles of NAM and looks forward to inclined to future engagements as they work together to achieve the ultimate goal of securing peace, progress and prosperity for all humanity and nations. Token of Friendship - A Tree

Foreign Minister of St Kitts and Nevis also planted a tree at the Park of Friendship, Palace of Serbia as a token of the friendship between the two countries St Kitts and Nevis and Serbia. He rooted a tree and used a shovel to sow the seeds of friendship.

[caption id="attachment_38154" align="aligncenter" width="248"] FM Mark Brantley planting a tree[/caption] First St Kitts and Nevis student in Serbia

Foreign Minister Mark Brantley also expressed his happiness to have a casual chat in Belgrade with young Shaniqua Harris, the first Saint Kitts and Nevis student to study in Serbia and Russia called the ship program offered by the Serbian government to the youth of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

“I was very impressed with Shaniqua and wish her success in her studies,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_38157" align="aligncenter" width="421"] Foreign Minister Mark Brantley with Shaniqua Harris[/caption]