TEHRAN – Iran's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, has highlighted solidarity with the people of Gaza as the primary focus of the recent Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) foreign ministers' meeting.

In a joint press conference with Boranchai Danvivatana, the Secretary General of the ACD, on Monday, Baqeri Kani detailed the outcomes of the meeting, which saw the participation of 41 foreign delegations in Tehran.

Baqeri Kani emphasized that, on the eve of Iran’s presidential election, the assembly of foreign ministers from 41 countries in Tehran underscored the significance of the event. 

He noted that ministers and secretaries general of international organizations utilized this opportunity to finalize cooperation frameworks. The day's discussions culminated in a final statement outlining the assembly's vision for the coming year.

Additionally, Baqeri Kani announced the approval of two key documents: one governing the activities of the Assembly Secretariat and another detailing the regulations of the ACD. The final statement reflected the collective views of member countries on regional and global developments, with a strong emphasis on empathy for the people of Gaza and a condemnation of the Zionist regime's actions. 

The members also called for immediate humanitarian aid and an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Expressing gratitude for the high attendance and efforts of the Secretary General and his team, Baqeri Kani expressed hope that their ongoing efforts would elevate the Assembly's status in Asia and enhance its role in international relations. He underscored that the ACD, with its extensive membership, offers a valuable platform for diverse viewpoints.

Baqeri Kani reiterated Iran's commitment to supporting the ACD's mission of fostering peace and friendship among Asian nations. He highlighted the active participation of Iran in regional and international meetings, including the United Nations, to promote global support for Palestine. 

According to Baqeri Kani, the late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian had twice visited the United Nations to advocate for the Palestinian people and condemn the Zionist regime's actions.

Baqeri Kani also discussed Iran's foreign policy achievements under the late President Ebrahim Raisi's administration, noting the improved relations with neighboring countries and the broader region. He mentioned successful diplomatic efforts with countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, which resulted in enhanced bilateral relations. Furthermore, he highlighted the completion of Iran's neighborhood policy cycle with Bahrain, emphasizing mutual cooperation and understanding.

“Significant progress was also made in security cooperation, particularly with Turkey and Iraq, as well as improving relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan,” Baqeri Kani noted the favorable outcomes of the regional "three plus three" mechanism involving Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Turkey, which was held in Tehran last year.

In conclusion, Baqeri Kani praised the pivotal role of Iran’s martyrs in shaping the country's foreign policy, especially in supporting the Palestinian Resistance. He credited their efforts for the successful convening of Islamic summits in Jeddah and Riyadh, and a special BRICS meeting focused on Palestine. 

The conflict in Gaza has inflicted devastating losses, with Israeli actions since October 7 leading to the deaths of at least 37,626 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injuring 86,098 others.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel's ongoing crimes in the beleaguered enclave have drawn widespread global condemnation.

UN agencies are now warning that over one million Palestinians in Gaza could face severe starvation by mid-July, as the hunger crisis worsens due to Israel's continued blockade of humanitarian aid.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the dire and chaotic conditions in Gaza, describing the situation as "total lawlessness."

This steadfast support and active engagement at various international platforms demonstrate Iran's commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause and addressing regional challenges.

The ACD, established two decades ago and headquartered in Kuwait, is the first continent-wide forum of its kind in Asia. It comprises 35 member countries and was chaired by Bahrain for the past two years.

More specifically, the ACD aims to integrate every Asian country into a cohesive community without duplicating other organizations or forming exclusive blocs. Its core mission is to consolidate Asia's strengths and enhance the continent's competitiveness by leveraging its diversity and abundant resources.