Statement by H.E. Dr. M. Javad Zarif Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran at NAM mid-term Ministerial Meeting 13 July 2020

Statement by H.E. Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran at NAM mid-term Ministerial Meeting 13 July 2020

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Mr. Chairman,

The surging global challenges we face today have reinforced the need for greater collective action at the international level at a time of rising unilateralism and protectionism in the international arena.

The COVID-19 pandemic calls for a strong coordinated international response that can rapidly expand access to tests, treatments and vaccines while recognizing extensive immunization as a public good that must be available and affordable for all, including—and perhaps especially— developing countries.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated its commitment to multilateralism as the tenet of a robust foreign policy. We continue to advocate the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in West Asia. In this context, we are engaged in active cooperation with the UN in peace efforts in Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan. We proposed the “Hormuz Peace Endeavor—HOPE” as an inclusive approach to cooperation and dispute settlement.

We sacrificed to sustain the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in spite of abject failure of Europe to live up to its commitments following U.S. withdrawal, and the reluctance of the Biden administration to abandon Trump’s failed “maximum pressure” policy.

The extreme unilateral adventurism of the U.S. is the most important challenge that almost all of us have been facing—one way or another. While some nations are threatened by economic terrorism and military aggressions, others bear the brunt of a crude American protectionist impulse.

The blind and unbridled support for apartheid in Palestine, and the denial of the basic rights of the Palestinian people, further exacerbate the unstable situation in the entire Middle East region.

To defend multilateralism, it is imperative to reject and prevent any perceived benefit and advantage drawn from unlawful unilateral actions and to reject any pressure in contravention of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. NAM should take the lead in this endeavor.

I thank you for your attention.