Kuwait FM : Asian should to achieve economic progress

Kuwait on Monday proposed that Asia's Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) only at a forum stage, be transformed into a structural organisation, where proper decisions that benefit the continent economically can be made. "We call to reestablish the silk road, that connected Asia from East to West," Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah told Asian foreign ministers attending the forum's first session, in his opening speech. This can be achieved by inacting economic and trade agreements, in particular those related to combined infrastructure, which will increase the exchange of goods, services and the participation of the private sector, explained the Kuwaiti official. Sheikh Mohammad, who presided the forum as the representative of the host nation, said that as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, this coincides with Kuwait's celebrations, the 50th anniversary of independence and the 20th anniversary of the liberation from occupation. He expressed gratitude for the role assumed by Iran, during its former presidency of the forum's previous edition. He also said Kuwait was keen to work closely with the ACD's next chosen host nation, Tajikistan. "Our pride in being a part of this Asian continent makes our aspirations to develop and prosper know no boundaries. The diverse cultures and civilisations in our region is a source of strength for member countries of this forum, who Kuwait support and will assist," he stressed. The forum "represents an important means to achieve the hopes and aspirations of our nations in all fields, namely social, economic and political, and without a doubt, will aid in strengthening its potentials." He highlighted the Asian forum's united regional organisations, including the Shanghai initiative, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as an integrated hope for the formation of an icon of promising and worthy development. Based on the continent's geographic, human and cultural resources, potential was available for economic integration that would make asia a leading economic force, able to tackle economic crises and limit their impacts, and able to achieve sustainable development, he added. "The main challenge mankind faces today is how to succeed in moving forward in the development process and tackle poverty on one hand, and limit the negative effects on the environment and maintain its resources on the other. "At the same time, we should work to provide sustainability to achieve human development, through policy-making and working mechanisms that encourage Asian cooperation," he noted. Cooperation in aiding the development of educational establishments and encouring potential youth to embrace scientific research, and providing adequate healthcare to combat the spread of diseases is of extreme importance, he stressed. He concluded by reiterating the significance of utilising the abundance of Asian manpower in addition to natural resources in the continent, a point he said, was stressed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in his speech at the opening ceremony.