Dacic: Attending NAM summit is in Serbia's interest

KAMPALA - Serbian FM Ivica Dacic, who is attending the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Uganda, said on Thursday presence at the event was important for Serbian interests because a large number of NAM member states did not recognise the so-called Kosovo.

Speaking to reporters in Kampala, Dacic noted that Serbia was not a NAM member state but had observer status in the organisation.

"Those countries (NAM member states) are mostly countries that are friendly to us, there are more than a hundred member states and that is why it is very useful for us to be present and take part in their activities," Dacic said.

He said that, while many today tended to underestimate the NAM, it was the largest group of states after the UN.

"That says enough about its significance," he said.

"They may not be economic leaders like some Western countries, but it is still a key organisation when it comes to securing a political majority in the UN General Assembly," Dacic said.

On behalf of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Dacic will on Friday attend a summit of heads of state and government and also hold bilateral meetings.

"I expect to convey President Vucic's message to (Ugandan) President (Yoweri) Museveni," he said.

The main topic of this year's summit is the situation in the Gaza Strip and the UN Security Council, which has been unable to make any decision on the issue due to a US veto, Dacic said.