ACD participants discuss ties with Iran

Senior officials from countries participating in the 9th ministerial meeting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Tehran have called for the expansion of ties with Iran.

This year’s edition of the ACD meeting, which opened on November 8 in Tehran, is titled, “Towards Asian Convergence and Unification: Promotion of Progress, Peace and Justice.”

On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki met with officials from Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka to discuss bilateral relations.

“The two important and neighboring countries of Iran and Pakistan should play roles in the Asian family,” Mottaki said in his meeting with Navabzadeh Malik Ahmad Khan, an official with Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Malik Ahmad Khan congratulated Iran for successfully holding the 9th ACD meeting and said, “Under the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this meeting will reach precious goals and achievements.”

He reiterated Islamabad’s gratitude for Iran’s humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Pakistan.

Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk also met Iran’s foreign minister.

Mottaki welcomed cooperation and negotiations between Tehran and Thimphu in international organizations.

The Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) can go forward with a bright prospect by taking into consideration long-term goals and improving cooperation between members, and can provide the foundation for security, stability, prosperity, and development in the region, Mottaki said.

Wangchuk said Bhutan highly values relations with Iran and is willing to expand bilateral cooperation, pointing out the rich experience and capabilities of Iranian companies and private sector.

Head of Myanmar’s delegation to Tehran conveyed the warm regards of his country’s foreign minister and said, “The Tehran [ACD] meeting was successful in enhancing Asian cooperation,” adding, “We request an enhancement of relations and an increase in the political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.”

ACD ministerial meetings were held in Thailand in 2002 and 2003, China in 2004, Pakistan in 2005, Qatar in 2006, South Korea in 2007, Kazakhstan in 2008, and Sri Lanka in 2009.

The next ACD meeting will be held in Kuwait and the 11th gathering will be in Tajikistan.

Created in June 2002, the ACD is a body which aims to promote Asian cooperation at a continental level.

The 31-member body was founded originally by 18 states but expanded to include all current members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council.