Asia Cooperation Dialogue
The idea of an Asia Cooperation Dialogue was talked about at the First International Conference of Asian Political Parties (held in Manila between 17–20 September 2000) by Surakiart Sathirathai. People thought that Asia as a continent should have its own forum to discuss Asia-wide cooperation. The idea was formally put forward during the 34th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Hanoi, 23–24 July 2001, and at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Phuket, 20–21 February 2002.