Qatar on Friday took over the presidency of the Asian Co-operation Dialogue (ACD) for 2019. Qatar affirmed that it will work on the objective of Asian consensus and co-operation and the development of the inter-Asian working mechanisms as a priority during its presidency of the dialogue, adding that it will encourage efforts to deepen trade and economic partnerships and promote the economic competitiveness of the countries of Asia.
This came in a speech delivered by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani at the ACD ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Qatar attaches great importance to the ACD as the largest bloc within the framework of the Asian continent, He said, adding that Qatar's presidency for 2019 asserts its commitment to support the joint work of the ACD and its commitment to achieving integration through expanding the existing co-operation in different fields between the countries of the continent and forging partnerships with other regional blocs and organisations, serving the ACD States as a united group in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and in a way that enhances international cooperation.
Since its inception in 2002, the ACD has played a vital role in promoting co-operation and interrelationships among Asian countries in all fields and has contributed to the joint efforts to address the common challenges facing the continent, especially in the development field and improving the quality of life and aspirations of the Asian peoples together with regional and international groups and blocs so as to achieve the common objectives of the international community in the area of development, the promotion of human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security, he said.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the expansion of the ACD membership to 34 member countries underscores the importance of the Asian continent as a platform for co-operation and co-ordination.
He pointed out that the rapid changes in our planet call for intensifying co-operation to achieve the desired bilateral and multilateral integration, adding: "We are confident that the promotion of mutual understanding and regional economic integration in all aspects of vital relations will strengthen our joint work and raise the level of co-operation and take them to greater horizons."
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that Qatar encourages deepening trade and economic partnerships and enhancing the economic competitiveness of the countries of Asia in world markets, especially as the Asian continent has all the potential to push the development of human resources and economic wealth.
He added that these are factors for the success of the process of economic integration, especially as the economies of many countries of the Asian continent are experiencing rapid growth rates in the past few years.
