The 8th Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting convened on the theme “Spirit of Asia : Global Economic Recover and Development Prospects” under the Chairmanship of Sri Lanka was concluded on 15th October in Colombo.  As it is commonly known, the ACD has provided a platform for member countries to discuss and share their unique as well as common interests and concerns with member states, aimed at promoting regional cooperation in a range of fields of interest.  The vision “Asian Renaissance” is  the ACD’s ultimate  goal.

The summit in Colombo was attended by high level delegations from 31-member states including Kuwait and Bahrain.  The 02 countries were represented at the summit by senior officials from the respective Foreign Ministries on behalf of their Foreign Ministers.  The Ministerial Summit was preceded by the senior officials meeting and other pre-summit consultations. 

Sri Lanka which assumed the Chairmanship  of 8th ACD Ministerial Meeting on 28th September is committed to safeguarding and promoting interests of all member states as well as to make the ACD more effective and relevance in terms of its charter and mandate.  The ministerial meeting was inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 15th October at the BMICH in Colombo.  Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama chaired the Ministerial Session and steered the proceedings to a successful conclusion. 

Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollgama at the end of the Ministerial Meeting appreciated all the delegations participated in the Colombo meeting for their unstinted support and cooperation towards the success of the summit.   The foreign delegations have discussed a range of current issues and concerns to the region and explored ways and means to further strengthen cooperation through ACD mechanism. 

The texts of speech delivered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogolagama are available at the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry website www.formin.gov.lk