14th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Government of the Kingdom of Thailand hosted the 14th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting, with the theme “ACD – The Way Forward”, on 9 - 10 March 2016 in Bangkok. The Meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The Meeting was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other Heads of Delegation of the Member States of the ACD.

The Meeting was opened by His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of Thailand, who delivered an inaugural statement reiterating Thailand’s commitment to the role of the ACD Chair and Coordinator as part of the country’s aspirations to be a constructive player and a bridge builder in regional and global affairs such as 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also reiterated the enormous potential of the ACD in enhancing pan-Asian cooperation and hoped that the 14th ACD Ministerial Meeting will build a new momentum for the ACD, charting a course towards a successful 2nd ACD Summit in Bangkok that delivers genuine benefits for the people of Asia.

In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand highlighted the importance of reinvigorating the ACD while remaining focused on combining the diverse strengths of ACD Member States which was a collective determination from the very beginning. He proposed that ACD Member States together develop a renewed common vision that encapsulates Asia’s shared economic and social aspirations, set against the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, he emphasized the need to reinforce and refocus the ACD’s Core Elements in the lead up to Thailand’s hosting of the 2nd ACD Summit and beyond.

The ACD Ministers welcomed Nepal as the 34th Member State of the ACD and expressed confidence that Nepal’s addition to the ACD would add value, as well as boost the international credibility of the ACD as the most diverse dialogue of the Asian region.

The Ministers thereafter held a retreat in a friendly atmosphere that encouraged dynamic interaction among them. Developments and challenges facing the ACD process were discussed emerging with a clear determination to reengage and combine the strengths of ACD Member States once again to recharge the ACD.