Union Minister U Kyaw Tin attends 17th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue

Union Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin attended and delivered a statement at the 17th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) which was held virtually on 21 January 2021.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, and attended by the Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and high-level officials from ACD member states. At the meeting, the Ministers exchanged views on enhancing cooperation among ACD member countries to mitigate adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic under the theme “The New Normal and Safe and Healthy Tourism”.

In his statement, Union Minister U Kyaw Tin mentioned that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every sector including the tourism and hospitability industry, which is one of the major contributors for GDPs of the Asian countries. He stated that the Asia region’s rich history, diversity, cultural richness and natural beauties offer immense potential to rejuvenate tourism industry. The Union Minister also highlighted that promotion of intra-regional and inter-regional tourism not only contributes to the economy but also enhances understanding and friendship among the peoples thereby fostering peace, harmony and stability in the region. He also added that Myanmar is making necessary preparations to implement bilateral and sub-regional safe travel schemes, as and when the COVID-19 situation subsides. He also informed the meeting of Myanmar’s readiness to contribute to regional food security by promoting exports of agricultural and marine products to new markets in Asia, especially the Middle East, and to work closely with other ACD members to achieve the common objectives of ACD.

The Meeting adopted the Ankara Declaration which includes recommendations such as sharing information and best practices in combatting, preventing and mitigating infectious diseases, in particular, the COVID-19 as well as in the recovery of the tourism and travel sectors with comprehensive measures such as safety and hygiene protocols; and preparations for the Third ACD Summit to be hosted by the State of Qatar, tentatively in 2021.

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue was established in Thailand in June 2002 with the objectives of consolidating Asia’s strength, rich resources, diversity and opportunities towards a strong and progressive Asia underpinned by six pillars of cooperation. ACD is now comprised of 35 member states from Asia. —MNA