9
Solidarity of progressive forces
The last two decades have been truly epoch-making in the world history. The peoples of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, representing an overwhelming segment of humanity, have successfully asserted their will to be sovereign and not be mere objects of imperial and colonial exploitation. This is however only a beginning. With every passing year, the Afro-Asian movement, despite formidable obstacles, has grown. It has not only invigorated, inspired and strengthened the fight for independence in countries under colonial dominance but has also assumed a dynamic form and become the focal point of ideal and positive action with a view to achieving economic independence for the peoples of Africa, Latin America and Asia.
In the contemporary world therefore the countries from the developing world, dedicated to the policy of non-alignment and peaceful co-existence, have a part to play in the re-making of the world. Today there is undoubtedly widespread understanding and acceptance of the policy of non-alignment and its relevance and importance. The non-aligned countries have consistently worked to democratize international relations, both in political and economic spheres, and to move from confrontation and deadlock to the fields of co-operative and constructive endeavours.
It is noteworthy that the decisions taken by the foreign ministers of the non-aligned countries at Lima influenced the decisions taken and resolutions adopted unanimously at the seventh special session as well as the thirtieth session of the U.N. General Assembly towards achieving a new world order based on justice and equality.
