Sixty three heads of state or government of NAM and delegates from 42 other member countries attended the summit.

Speaking at the closing session, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad declared that the more-than-40-year-old NAM remains as relevant as ever today in protecting and promoting the interests of the South countries in a world clearly dominated by big powers which care little for the developing nations.

The Malaysian prime minister, who took over the chair of the 13th summit, said that NAM's relevance should no longer be questioned.

It had now been revitalized, embodying "our hopes and aspirations for economic prosperity in a world that is peaceful, secure and just" and should endeavor to be on par with the developed North, he said.

However, he said, the NAM members had a crucial role to play inclosing ranks and strengthening their unity so as to be able to speak with one voice on issues of vital importance to the movement.

In his closing remarks after two days of intense discussions and presentations by NAM leaders, he also reminded the NAM members to play their part in the international effort to combat terrorism, which was among the new challenges confronting the movement.

The summit at its closing session issued the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Continuing the Revitalization of the Non-Aligned Movement, a separate statement concerning Iraq, and a separate statement on Palestine.

The statement on Iraq expressed welcome and support to all efforts exerted to avert war against that country.

The NAM leaders reaffirmed their commitment to exerting their efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the current situation.

At the same time, they also called on Iraq, a member of the 116-strong movement, to continue to actively comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 and all other relevant Security Council resolutions and remain engaged in the process.

The summit accepted Timor Leste and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as its new members, bringing its membership to 116 countries from 114.

Formally founded in 1961, NAM holds its summit approximately every three years to address diplomatic, economic, developmental and social issues of the day.

NAM's next summit is scheduled to be held in Cuba, the last being in South Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2003)