Amiri Diwan
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, graciously inaugurated the third summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, held under the theme "Sports Diplomacy," this morning at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Doha.
Attending the opening were His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine, His Excellency President Dr. Masoud Bezhakian of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Her Excellency Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, along with several other esteemed heads of delegations from brotherly and friendly countries.
Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with several esteemed ministers, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the state, senior officials, and representatives from various regional and international organizations.
In his speech, the Amir said: "The convening of this summit under the theme 'Sports Diplomacy' was chosen to express our firm belief that promoting sports and cooperation in this area aligns closely with the vision of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue 2030. We believe in the importance of sports for the health of individuals and communities, its role in enhancing peace, its ability to promote values of tolerance, and mutual respect, and dispelling stereotypes and preconceived notions. We look forward to translating this theme into a tangible reality that reflects positively on our peoples and countries."