The 19th meeting of the foreign ministers of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Forum (ACD) took place in Tehran, where Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Khereiji called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. He expressed concern over the escalating aggression and the toll it has taken on defenseless civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. Al-Khereiji emphasized the need to protect civilians, ensure the access of humanitarian aid, and work towards a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
The deputy minister highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination among ACD member states to address challenges such as growing conflicts and food and energy security issues. He underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in various fields, including economic development, technology, trade, investment, regional security, energy, and culture. Al-Khereiji also emphasized the significance of collaboration in emerging areas such as climate change crisis management and global governance of artificial intelligence and new technologies.
The meeting, chaired by Iran’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Bagheri Keni, was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from 35 countries, as well as heads of regional and multilateral Asian organizations. The Asian Cooperation Dialogue Forum was established in 2002, with Iran joining in 2004 and assuming the presidency in 2024. The forum’s 35 member countries, representing half of the world’s population and about 30 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, aim to promote cooperation and dialogue among Asian nations.
Al-Khereiji reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for multilateral frameworks in addressing tensions and fostering dialogue and joint action. He stressed the Kingdom’s belief in the importance of collective action in tackling global challenges and emphasized the need for continued coordination and cooperation among countries. The deputy minister also advocated for intensified efforts to address the climate change crisis and enhance cooperation in the governance of new technologies to benefit all member states of the ACD.
The Saudi deputy minister emphasized the need for joint efforts and deeper cooperation among ACD member states to confront various challenges, including conflicts, food security, and energy security. He urged the importance of strengthening cooperation in key areas such as economic development, technology, trade, investment, regional security, energy, and culture. Al-Khereiji also highlighted the significance of collaboration in emerging fields like climate change crisis management and global governance of artificial intelligence and new technologies.
The Asia Cooperation Dialogue Forum meeting in Tehran provided a platform for member states to discuss pressing issues and strengthen cooperation in various areas. Al-Khereiji’s call for an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza and his emphasis on the importance of protecting civilians and promoting a just solution to the Palestinian issue resonated with attendees. The forum’s focus on enhancing cooperation and coordination among Asian nations highlights the region’s commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting dialogue and joint action.
