DPM Narayan Kaji Shrestha Reaffirms Nepal's Commitment to Regional Cooperation at ACD Ministerial Meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has reiterated Nepal’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism, emphasizing the need to implement the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Vision 2030 and the ACD Blueprint 2021-2030. Speaking at the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the ACD held in Tehran, Iran, on Monday, Shrestha underscored the importance of these frameworks for achieving growth, sustainability, and prosperity, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

In his address, Shrestha highlighted the evolution of the ACD as a platform for open and consultative dialogues on pressing regional and global issues. He pointed out the challenges posed by Covid-19, climate change, global economic recession, rising conflicts, and geopolitical rivalry, advocating for a collective vision, unity, solidarity, and mutual collaboration for a more integrated, resilient, and prosperous Asia.

The meeting resulted in the adoption of the "Guiding Principles for the Functioning of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Secretariat" and the "ACD Rules of Procedures." These documents provide a framework for cooperation among ACD members and support the institutional strengthening of the ACD Secretariat.

On the sidelines of the ACD Ministerial Meeting, DPM Shrestha held bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers, including Dr. Ali Bagheri of Iran, U Than Swe of Myanmar, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani of Bahrain, Mr. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya of Kuwait, Mr. Walid bin Abdul Karim Al Khraiji of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Andrei Rudenko of Russia. These discussions covered mutual interests and pressing regional and global issues.

Since joining the ACD in 2016, Nepal has actively engaged with other Asian member states to promote areas of mutual benefit and complementarities. During his visit, Shrestha also met with the Nepali diaspora in Tehran at an event organized by the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal, reaffirming the commitment to providing effective and timely consular services.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha departed Tehran for Kathmandu on the evening of June 24, 2024.