The 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) was held in Doha on May 1. The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by the meeting of the Senior Officials and followed by the ACD Business Forum.
Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana who led the Sri Lanka delegation stated the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka demonstrated that terrorism is a global threat and one which needs to be dealt with the concerted efforts of all States. He further stated that Combating terrorism and other transnational crimes and dealing with the rise of violent extremism had become an issue of global concern to governments. Minister Marapana added that terrorism has a direct impact on human rights, on the physical integrity of individuals, their right to life and liberty. In addition terrorism can destabilise Governments, jeopardise peace and security and negatively impact on social and economic developments which also have an impact on the enjoyment of human rights.
Minister Marapana emphasized that the Sri Lankan emergency response conducted by the tri forces and police had been successful in apprehending and identifying the terror suspects to bring the situation under control.
All ACD Ministers expressed condolences of their respective Governments and pledged solidarity with Sri Lanka in its fight against terror.
Sri Lanka welcomed the initiative of Qatar to establish the ACD Business Forum which would pave way for the respective Business Communities to interact and forge mutually beneficial and advantageous partnerships. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board led the Sri Lanka delegation to the ACD Business Forum held on 2nd May 2019.
Minister Marapana held bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Qatar, Iran and Turkey and discussed matters of mutual importance. -AFP
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