Nepal becomes member of Asia Cooperation Dialogue

Kathmandu, March 10 (IANS) Nepal has officially become a member of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a senior official said here on Thursday.

The 14th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue held in Thailand unanimously endorsed Nepal as the 34th member of Asia Cooperation Dialogue on Wednesday, said a senior official at the Nepal's ministry of foreign affairs.

Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa thanked the ACD for accepting Nepal as a new member, Xinhua news agency reported.

While delivering a speech in the meeting, Thapa reiterated full commitment to the principles, values and objectives of the ACD.

He said that Nepal will continue to engage in its activities and programmes with sincerity and dedication.

Established in June 2002, the ACD is the only official dialogue and cooperation mechanism in Asia at a continental level.

The Nepalese government has expressed hope that the country's association with the ACD will help Nepal expand relations in the international arena, a ministry spokesman said.

Nepal's engagement with the ACD will help enhance its cooperation with ACD members on various fields such as economy, tourism, commerce, foreign direct investment and foreign employment, the spokesman added.