BAKU, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Summit of the heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) kicked off here on Friday with the aim of upholding the Bandung Principles to ensure concerted and adequate responses to contemporary challenges.
The two-day summit brings together dignitaries from nearly 60 countries, including the presidents of Venezuela, Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, Afghanistan and several African countries, as well as representatives from international organizations.
The 120-member NAM covers 55 percent of the world's population. It also embraces 17 countries and 10 international organizations with an observer status.
Azerbaijan became a full-fledged member of the NAM in 2011. It will chair NAM in 2019-2022.
The NAM Summit is held every three years. It is a forum for 120 member states to discuss issues of importance in politics, security, development and others.
Venezuela has held the presidency of the NAM since 2016. NAM's presidency will be passed to Azerbaijan.
