The 14th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Havana is preparing to welcome Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis, as new members that will increase from 116 to 118, an official website of the NAM summit said Tuesday.

Haiti is located in the Western Hemisphere while St. Kitts and Nevis is a small dual Caribbean island nation whose economy relays on tourism.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said in a speech that "their admission is indicative of the interest of the countries of the South to become integrated into and belong to this forum -- where, without a doubt, we share common values and interests and, in a united and friendly manner, defend our right to live and develop as independent nations."
 
Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis are expected to formally join the movement this week.

The Non-Aligned Movement has currently 116 member countries (53of Africa, 38 of Asia, 24 of Latin America and the Caribbean and one from Europe (Belarus).

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2006)