Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit opens with theme "sports diplomacy", Thailand will be Chair 2025

From October 2-3, the third Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit took place in Doha, Qatar.

Heads of state, government and officials attend the ACD Summit in Doha, Qatar from October 2-3. (KUNA)

According to Kuna news agency, the conference was attended by heads of state, leaders of governments, and leaders of the Foreign Ministries of 35 ACD member countries.

With the theme “Sports Diplomacy”, the third ACD Summit emphasized the important role of sports in promoting dialogue, cooperation, contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development of the continent.

The conference focused on discussing global security challenges, solutions to promote sustainable and inclusive development, enhance the role of developing countries; promote intra-bloc cooperation in key areas, especially transportation, digital transformation, digital economy, green growth, energy transition, and climate change response.

Preparing to assume the role of ACD Chair in 2025, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a speech at the conference, outlining the country's vision for promoting regional cooperation and advancing the "Asian Century" agenda.

Emphasizing the role of sports in promoting peace and cooperation, Ms. Paetongtarn appreciated Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and affirmed that sports can be a powerful tool to unite nations.

In addition, the Thai Prime Minister shared the country's strategic priorities, including leveraging the country's strengths in agricultural and food production to strengthen trade networks and strengthen the global food supply chain.

She noted that Thailand is investing significantly in road, rail and water transport infrastructure, along with expanding airport capacity, to position the country as an East-West gateway.

The Prime Minister called on ACD members to work closely together to create new trade routes to boost economic growth and strengthen Asia's position as a global economic hub.

She also expressed deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation; called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to protect civilian infrastructure and comply with international humanitarian law.

According to her, as Chair of ACD in 2025, Thailand will focus on six main pillars of cooperation, including connectivity, science and technology, education and human resources, food security, water and energy, culture and tourism, and sustainable development.

The ACD Summit adopted the Doha Declaration, affirming the commitment of member countries to continue promoting dialogue and cooperation, effectively implementing the ACD Action Plan for the 2021-2030 period and the ACD Vision 2030 with 6 pillars.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuong-dinh-doi-thoai-hop-tac-chau-a-khai-mac-voi-chu-de-ngoai-giao-the-thao-thai-lan-se-la-chu-tich-2025-288724.html