Press Release
Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the leader of Nepali Delegation addressed the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit Meeting today. He stated that Asia is endowed with rich natural as well as human resources and collective and concerted efforts among the Member States are important to unleash such potential.
Addressing the Summit, Hon. Foreign Minister underlined the importance of connectivity in all modes; road and rail networks, air links, waterways and transmission ways as the key enabler to connect the countries of Asia, especially the landlocked countries like Nepal.
Hon. Dr. Mahat noted the role being played by migrant workers in connecting peoples and societies in Asia and emphasized that their rights, safety and security must be guaranteed recognizing their contribution to economic growth and development in both origin and recipient countries.
He pointed out some challenges Asia facing today such as poverty, terrorism, economic inequality and natural disasters and called for concerted efforts of the Member States to overcome them. Hon. Foreign Minister underlined that development of Nepal’s hydropower would provide source of green energy not only for Nepal but also for neighbouring countries, greatly contributing to energy security in the region.
Highlighting that mountainous countries like Nepal are highly vulnerable to climate change, he called for special measures to help them overcome such vulnerabilities and ensure sustainable development.
Hon. Minister Dr. Mahat also highlighted that in view of unmatched natural beauties and cultural treasure, Nepal’s tourism sector offers great potential for development. He invited investors from the region to invest on Nepal’s resources to contribute to its economic growth and development.
He also informed the ACD Member States that Nepal is now at the crucial stage of reconstruction and development in the aftermath of damages caused by the devastating earthquake that struck in April 2015.
Affirming Nepal’s commitment to the principles and values of the ACD and to advance cooperation within the ACD framework, he offered to coordinate the activities in the areas of energy, culture and tourism among the six priority pillars of ACD.
The 2nd ACD Summit was inaugurated by H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand where the Heads of State/Government and their representatives of 34 ACD Member States were present. The Summit concluded today adopting three Outcome Documents, ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation 2030, Bangkok Declaration along with ACD Blue Print 2017-2021 and ACD Statement on Reigniting Growth through Partnerships for Connectivity.
The members of the Nepali delegation; Foreign Secretary, Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and H.E. Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari, Ambassador of Nepal to Thailand and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok also attended the Summit.
Embassy of Nepal
Bangkok
10 October 2016