For first time, UAE takes Asia Cooperation Dialogue chair
Date
9/25/2016 2:54:32 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
NEW YORK, 24th September, 2016 (WAM) – For the first time, the UAE has chaired the 34-member Asia Cooperation Dialogue.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired the annual Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 71st Session of the United Nation General Assembly.
In his opening statement, Dr. Al Zeyoudi acknowledged the ACD's unique role as the only organisation in Asia that fosters cooperation amongst members as individual countries, and as regional organizations. He called for establishing partnerships with other Asian groups and forums, in order to jointly address ongoing regional and global challenges facing ACD countries.
"The UAE looks forward to working with ACD members to explore opportunities for cooperation and create continued robust growth in the Asian market, while protecting the environment," he added, stressing the importance of meeting the overall objectives of the 2030 Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
He also reiterated that the UAE will be leading the work of the ACD to realise the hopes of the international community by transforming these visions into concrete action.
Stressing the role that technologies and innovations play, Al Zeyoudi said, "There have been many advances made in research and development, and we would like to see increases in investments, in order to further build a foundation for the prosperity of Asia."
Al Zeyoudi concluded by inviting all ACD members to the 15th ministerial meeting planned for January 2017, under the theme of sustainable energy, which will coincide with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He outlined proposed plans for the ministerial meeting, coinciding with the annual Sustainability Week, which draws more than 30,0000 delegates from around the world and focuses on energy, water and their closely linked sectors, including demonstration of cutting edge technologies.
ACD was established in 2002 to foster cooperation amongst its members to increase the competitiveness of Asia through dialogues and joint projects.
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