ACD has immense potential to mitigate global issues - GL

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris in his address at the Kuwait Ministerial meeting, pointed out the immense potential of the area covered by the Asia Co-operation Dialogue to find practical solutions to global problems at this time.

He said the 32 countries which are members of ACD should consider afresh their approach to sustainable growth in mutual co-operation in areas such as poverty alleviation, environmental protection, resilience of communities to natural disasters, development of renewable energy sources and, most importantly, widespread access to education, health and nutrition. Minister Peiris said that the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka has proved a catalyst for economic and social resurgence.

He said: “We are investing heavily in infrastructure and information technology, and are moving to empower our rural population which constitutes the bedrock of our economy. We are also paying special attention to the tourism sector which can provide a powerful stimulus to growth and especially for creating sustainable employment”.

The Summit in Kuwait, he said, marks a new chapter of ACD and will be a good opportunity not only to consolidate past achievements but to shape future direction to meet the expectations of Asia as an emerging global growth centre.

He characterised the ACD as an appropriate forum to forge understanding and build bridges among diverse cultures, religious traditions and civilisational legacies.

This Grouping, the minister said, is singularly well placed to promote dialogue on challenges arising from these diversities, and discover common ground to mitigate tensions. economic, cultural and scientific.