PM to Address ACD Summit, Hold Bilateral Talks with Four Countries

DOHA, Oct3 (TNA) - Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a statement at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit and hold bilateral talks with four countries, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Thursday.

The prime minister, who arrived in Doha for the ACD Summit, will meet with leaders from Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, and Tajikistan on the sidelines of the conference.

The prime minister is scheduled to address the summit at Thursday afternoon. Thailand hosted the 2nd ACD Summit in 2016 and will assume the ACD chairmanship starting January 1.

The prime minister aims to promote ACD as a policy dialogue forum for Asian cooperation, fostering mutual benefits and facilitating discussions on global challenges, including geopolitical competition, the foreign minister said.

Established in 2002 on Thailand's initiative, the ACD now comprises 35 member countries. It serves as the only pan-Asian forum connecting countries across the continent and various regional frameworks such as BRICS, ASEAN, and CICA.

Maris added that the Prime Minister continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East, expressing concern for civilians and the humanitarian situation. She has called for maximum restraint and an end to all forms of violence to prevent further escalation.

The prime minister is also concerned about the safety of Thai nationals in high-risk areas in the Middle East, urging Thai citizens in the region to closely follow local authorities' and Thai embassy guidelines. -819 (TNA)