Ambassador H.E. Nasser Al-Mutairi to spearhead Kuwait’s vision in Asian Cooperation Dialogue

• Ambassador H.E. Nasser Al-Mutairi’s election as the new Secretary-General of the ACD signifies Kuwait’s proactive stance in regional cooperation and development.

• Kuwait outlines its strategic vision to transform the ACD into a more robust organization that fosters collaboration among Asian nations and expands its influence globally.

Kuwait has reaffirmed its dedication to the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a regional forum established to foster cooperation and development among Asian nations.

Kuwait’s longstanding involvement in the ACD

On the 22nd anniversary of the ACD’s founding, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat issued a statement highlighting Kuwait’s longstanding interest in the forum.

Ambassador Hayat emphasized that the ACD was not only a concept embraced by Kuwait from its very beginning, but it was also, in his words, “a Kuwaiti idea from the beginning.”

This historical fact is further underscored by the recent appointment of Ambassador H.E. Nasser Al-Mutairi as the ACD’s new Secretary-General.

Kuwait’s vision for the ACD’s future

Ambassador Hayat went on to elaborate on Kuwait’s “strategic vision” for the ACD. Kuwait is committed to collaborating with other Asian countries to transform the ACD into a prominent organization, one that can “rival and complement other organizations in Asia.”

This vision signifies Kuwait’s ambition for the ACD to become a leading force in driving regional cooperation and progress.

The newly appointed Secretary-General, Ambassador H.E. Nasser Al-Mutairi, echoed the sentiment of Asian solidarity. He described the ACD as a platform that “reflects the spirit of solidarity among Asian countries and sheds light on Asian relations in all fields.”

Ambassador Al-Mutairi emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, particularly in light of the numerous challenges faced by Asian nations. He believes that collaboration across various sectors, coupled with a stronger understanding between member countries, will be instrumental in propelling regional development forward.

A shared future for Asia

Ambassador Al-Mutairi views this occasion as a powerful reminder of the shared history, culture, and intertwined future of Asian countries.

His election to the Secretary-General position by 35 member states stands as a testament to Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to the ACD and its vision for a more collaborative and prosperous Asia.

Ambassador Al-Mutairi expressed his vision for the ACD, stating his intention to “transform the forum into an organization that includes more than one Asian country, so that it includes Gulf countries and countries from Asia.”

This expansion would broaden the scope of the ACD and foster deeper collaboration across the continent.

He further emphasized his commitment to “activate the role of the secretariat by increasing its members and establishing a clearer mechanism for holding its meetings.” A more robust secretariat with a defined meeting structure could enhance the ACD’s efficiency and effectiveness. These plans will be worked on when he officially assumes his position on 1st September.

Challenges and opportunities

Ambassador Al-Mutairi acknowledged the challenges facing the ACD, highlighting the “big difference in development levels between countries, in addition to security aspects.”

Addressing these disparities and fostering regional security will be crucial for the organization’s success. However, he also sees a positive “direction to create a role for the organization at the regional and international levels,” indicating the ACD’s potential to become a more prominent player on the world stage.

Praises for Kuwait’s support and member states’ commitment

The outgoing Secretary-General, Pornchai Danvivathana, expressed his gratitude to Kuwait for its support. He specifically acknowledged “the financial support of the State of Kuwait” in conducting the event.

He commended the active participation of numerous ACD diplomatic missions in establishing 15 pavilions to showcase their unique cultures and heritage.

He also mentioned the inclusion of five traditional performances by local communities from Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in Kuwait.

Danvivathana lauded the member states’ commitment to the ACD’s core principles, stating that “the unwavering commitment of member states to the spirit of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue, which adheres to the principles of informal dialogue, inclusiveness, integration and common interests with commitment, has played a pivotal role in demonstrating dedication to strengthening dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding among member states.” This spirit of collaboration is essential for the ACD’s continued success.

Looking forward

Danvivathana concluded by congratulating Ambassador H.E. Nasser Al-Mutairi and his deputy, Ambassador H.E. Mohammad Taqi Hosseini of Iran, on their appointments. He expressed confidence that “their able leadership will guide the secretariat to continue making meaningful contributions to the Asian Cooperation Dialogue community.”