FM Deuba addresses Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Doha, expresses concerns over escalating regional, global conflicts
Kathmandu, October 4: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba led a Nepali delegation to the third Summit of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) held under the theme “Sports Diplomacy” in Doha on Thursday, October 3. The summit commenced with an inaugural address by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
Addressing the Summit, Foreign Minister Deuba expressed concerns over escalating regional, global conflicts and adverse impacts of climate change and reaffirmed Nepal’s unwavering commitments to multilateralism and ACD objectives. Emphasizing on the transformative power of sports diplomacy, she stated that sports are crucial for maintaining social cohesion, unity, sound mental health, and bridging socio-cultural and ideological divides. Highlighting immense potentials and synergies of Asia, she further stressed the importance of forging meaningful cooperation and promoting mutual understanding among ACD Member States for a united, resilient and prosperous Asia.
The summit concluded with the adoption of Doha Declaration that emphasizes, inter alia, on harnessing sports diplomacy for fostering peace, mutual understanding and closer cooperation among ACD Member States. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers/Ministers and other dignitaries from ACD Member States attended the summit.
On the sidelines of the summit, Minister Deuba had bilateral meetings with Edil Baisalov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic; U Than Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Union of Myanmar; and Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affair of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During these meetings, discussions were focused on further strengthening cordial bilateral relations and other matters of regional cooperation within ACD framework.
Minister Deuba is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. The Nepali delegation is returning home today, according to a press release issued by the Nepal Embassy in Doha.
People’s News Monitoring Service.
