By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Serbia, 1 September 2026 President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Belgrade on Monday for a high-level meeting marking the 65th anniversary of the first Non-Aligned Movement conference.
The commemoration began Monday, Aug. 31, with the main program scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to the Somali Presidency.
Mohamud was welcomed by senior Serbian officials upon arrival. He is expected to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to discuss strengthening political ties and cooperation.
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At least four presidents, three prime ministers and several ministers have confirmed attendance, along with representatives of countries that formed the historic core of the 1961 conference. Officials from Uganda, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the current troika leadership of the Movement, are also expected.
The meeting will review the historic role of NAM, with focus on sovereignty, equality of states, upholding international law and strengthening cooperation amid global political and security challenges.
The first NAM conference was held in Belgrade from Sept. 1-6, 1961, bringing together 25 member countries and three observers. The movement was formed to allow states to preserve independence and avoid alignment with major powers during the Cold War.