TEHRAN – Iran is poised to host the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) ministerial meeting on Sunday and Monday, in its capital, Tehran.

This significant event will see the participation of more than 30 delegations from across Asia, reflecting the continent's commitment to fostering enhanced cooperation.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry will preside over the ACD meeting of foreign ministers, scheduled for Sunday and Monday. The agenda will focus on strategies to bolster collaboration among member states, addressing a broad spectrum of issues pertinent to the region's collective interests.

On the opening day, experts and senior executives from ACD member countries will convene to prepare and coordinate the topics for discussion by senior diplomats the following day. This preparatory session is crucial for setting the stage for meaningful deliberations and ensuring that the ministerial discussions are productive.

Monday will feature extensive discussions among the foreign ministers, who will exchange views on optimizing the use of the ACD as a pan-Asian forum. They aim to leverage the forum’s diverse resources to build robust partnerships and bridge gaps between Asian nations and other regional organizations. This dialogue is expected to strengthen ties and promote a unified approach to addressing regional challenges.

Acting Foreign Minister of Iran Ali Baqeri Kani is slated to deliver the keynote address at the summit’s opening ceremony on Monday. His speech is anticipated to highlight Iran's vision for the ACD and its role in fostering Asian unity and cooperation.

The meeting will bring together more than 30 foreign delegations, including ministers, deputy ministers, relevant deputies of foreign ministers, general secretaries of regional organizations, and special envoys from member countries. This diverse representation underscores the broad support for the ACD’s mission.

Iran has held the presidency of the ACD since late 2023, following Bahrain's two-year chairmanship. The ACD, established in 2002 in Thailand and headquartered in Kuwait, is a unique continent-wide forum comprising 35 Asian member countries. It aims to integrate Asian countries into a cohesive community without replicating other organizations or forming exclusive blocs.

A fundamental goal of the ACD is to harness and consolidate Asia's strengths, enhancing the continent's competitiveness on the global stage. By maximizing Asia's diversity and rich resources, the ACD seeks to build a strong and united Asian community, fostering cooperation and mutual growth.

This ministerial meeting in Tehran is a pivotal moment for the ACD, offering a platform for member countries to reaffirm their commitment to regional solidarity and cooperation, paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous Asia.