Iran's role in Asia Cooperation Dialogue

NOURNEWS – The total population of Europe, Africa, and the Americas combined is 3 billion people, equal to the population of the 33 Asian countries that are members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), whose representatives are guests in Iran as of June 23.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was supposed to host one of the largest gatherings of foreign ministry representatives. The summit is held on June 24 in Tehran, with senior diplomats from 33 Asian countries attending. Despite the foreign minister's passing, the meeting is being held, though his absence will be felt by his colleagues in the continent.

The ACD, in its 22-year history, has pursued goals in areas such as "transportation," "science, technology, and innovation," "education and human resource development," "food security," "energy and water security," "culture and tourism," and "inclusive and sustainable development" through dialogue and project implementation.

Members of the ACD include China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, South Korea, Japan, India, Turkey, Kuwait, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bahrain, Oman, Palestine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Iran joined the ACD two years after its establishment and took over the presidency of the organization in 2023, which will continue until the end of 2024.

The 19th meeting of the ACD foreign ministers in Tehran marks a milestone in Iran's cooperation with this organization. So far, 33 of the 35 member countries have confirmed their participation at the level of minister, deputy minister, or assistant minister. Leaders from eight Asian organizations will also attend.

Iran's active participation in the ACD continues its efforts to play a significant role in the new regional order. Iran has consistently worked to expand relations with different countries and establish practical collaborations using multilateral mechanisms. In this atmosphere, connecting with neighboring and Asian countries is especially important, and the role of the continent in improving the global economy enhances its significance.

The ACD is one of the most comprehensive intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in Asia, central to advancing the national, regional, and global goals of its members. Holding this forum in Tehran, coinciding with the 14th presidential election in Iran, is a fortunate timing for Iran's balanced, smart, and dynamic diplomacy, aiming to be a key player in the shift from a bipolar world order to regional ones.