New York / Information Office / September 27

The State of Qatar today took over the presidency of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) for 2019. Qatar affirmed that it will work on the objective of Asian consensus and cooperation 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 Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani at the ACD ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the ACD as the largest bloc within the framework of the Asian continent, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said, adding that the State of 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 cooperation in different fields between the countries of the continent and forging partnerships with other regional blocs and organizations, 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 cooperation 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, His Excellency 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 cooperation and coordination.

He pointed out that the rapid changes in our planet call for intensifying cooperation 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 cooperation and take them to greater horizons."

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the State of 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.

His Excellency pointed out that within the framework of Qatar's assumption of the presidency of the ACD and its keenness to work hand in hand with the General Secretariat of the ACD and the other member countries, develop the existing cooperation among them as well as explore opportunities to strengthen interdependence, advance the process of joint action, exchange views on the future of dialogue and ways to achieve its objectives in an optimal manner, the State of Qatar is honored to host the 16th ministerial meeting of Member States in ACD in 2019, pointing out that Qatar looks forward to the participation of all heads and members of delegations in this meeting.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar believes that education and culture are essential pillars for the development and growth of peoples to build a bright future for future generations, therefore it pays great attention to them, noting that the State of Qatar will host, on the sidelines of its presidency of ACD, a workshop for education and another for culture next year. He added that Qatar will also host a forum for businessmen, which will be an important platform for presenting expertise, visions, ideas and distinguished experiences among investors, entrepreneurs and experts in the fields of economy and trade, that will contribute to the opening of new horizons for joint cooperation, expand trade and financial markets and increase the competitiveness of the Asian countries with the rest of the world.

His Excellency stressed Qatar's aspiration to continue cooperation and coordination with the member countries of ACD. He expressed hope that the coming year will witness further communication to achieve mutual gains, stressing that the State of Qatar will set the goal of Asian consensus and cooperation and develop mechanisms of joint action among the countries of the continent as a priority during its presidency.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its successful presidency of the ACD in 2018. He also thanked the Secretary-General and the working group of ACD for their constant commitment to communicate with Member States and their valuable efforts to promote joint action.