ACD summit in Bangkok toward "one Asia"

BANGKOK, October 10 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha inspires on making use of regional strengths and diversified potential toward "one Asia" with sustainable development inclusively by 2030. The prime minister called on the regional position and move toward the "one Asia" goal in order to also support regional and global growth while inaugurating the 2nd ACD Summit at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on Monday. Prime Minister General Prayut said Thailand is ready to be a leader in promoting sustainable development in the region, focusing on the Sufficiency Economy Principle, suggested by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The prime minister noted that the ongoing gathering of leaders from 34 Asian nations shows a common interest in regional cooperation in all aspects to respond to emerging challenges over the next 14 years. According to the Thai leader, six main pillars of regional cooperation include food and energy security, technology and innovation, connectivity, education and human resource development, culture and tourism and sustainable development, with a major point of putting results of the 2nd ACD Summit into action. Besides, the Thai premier thanked Kuwait for hosting the ACD Secretariat, which will be a key mechanism for driving ahead the ACD mission toward the sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The Thai leader also proposed the establishment of the ACD development fund for tangible cooperation as soon as possible. On the occasion, the Thai leader announced that the 3rd ACD Summit will be hosted by Iran in 2018 and the United Arab Emirate, which will rotate to be the ADC Chair next year, will host the 15th ACD Ministerial Meeting in January 2017. Thailand hosts the 2nd ACD summit under the theme of "One Asia, Diverse Strengths”, focused on strengthening diversities to drive ahead regional development for an economic equilibrium and reduce inequality in the region. Two main documents, set to be issued at the end of the 2nd ACD Summit, include the ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation 2030 and the Bangkok Declaration, reflecting the joint stance of ACD members in shaping regional cooperation over the next 14 years toward the sustainable Asian community. (TNA)