The Non-Aligned Countries Movement (NAM) must play a leading role in the analysis and solutions of the problems of the modern world, Sri Lanka''s Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris stated here.

Due to the relevance of its basic principles, we should ensure that the NAM remains alive and does not become an historical relic, Peiris told Prensa Latina.

According to the diplomat and academic, this will be one of Sri Lanka's priorities at the bloc's upcoming summit, scheduled for late August in Teheran.

The NAM emerged in 1961 in Belgrade, capital of the then Yugoslavia. Its primary objectives were focused around self-determination, national independence, and peaceful coexistence between states.

These are key principles for analyzing current issues such as energy, security, sustainable development, global warming, and the struggle against terrorism, the diplomat noted.

Over 110 UN countries also belong to the NAM, evidence of its strength, Peiris said while referring to the major forums currently underway.

Regarding the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, which starts Wednesday in Brazil, the diplomat stated that the planet must solve its current problems, alluding to climate change and threats to the survival of the human species.

Peiris said that Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa will attend the NAM and Rio+20 summits to defend those stances.

The diplomat was part of the delegation that accompanied Rajapaksa on his official visit to Cuba, and will continue on to Rio de Janeiro.