"Azerbaijan has developed a comprehensive Action Plan concerning its chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement and has begun specific work. The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the situation in the world, bringing about new realities as a result," said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group Summit.
The head of state said: "Azerbaijan reacted to the new situation quickly and adequately. The Non-Aligned Movement's Contact Group, Summit on coronavirus, initiated by Azerbaijan, is further evidence of that."
In his opening remarks at the Summit, the President of Azerbaijan noted that the global COVID-19 pandemic had had a negative impact on all countries, adding that no state insured against it. "We can overcome COVID-19 only through mutual support, self-control, and joint efforts."
President Ilham Aliyev praised UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' launching a Global Humanitarian Response Plan to combat the coronavirus, the adoption of relevant resolutions by the UN General Assembly, and the significant role of the World Health Organization in the global fight against the pandemic.
Being held under the motto "United against COVID-19", the Summit has focused on the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
Given that the Non-Aligned Movement includes 120 countries, the Summit is being held in the format of a Contact Group with the participation of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, based on the principle of geographic representation.
Heads of state and government of more than 40 member states, as well as the UN Secretary-General, President of the UN General Assembly, President of the African Union, WHO Director-General, and High Representative of the European Union, are attending the videoconference.