There will be a top-level participation from the Chinese side in the forthcoming meeting, strengthening the ACD's role in regional affairs," the sources added.
The third ministerial meeting was held in China in June last, had adopted a five-page declaration on 'Asia Co-operation' on important issues relating to peace and development.
It had also provided an opportunity to Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and his Indian counterpart Natwar Singh to hold an important 'one-to-one' meeting, taking a major step forward relaxing tense in their bilateral relations.
According to the sources, the member countries' decision to hold the ACD's meeting in Islamabad was a recognition of Pakistan's successful foreign policy and the important and responsible role that Pakistan is playing at the regional and international levels for promoting a common cause.
The ACD reflects the common aspiration of Asian countries to increase co-operation. Since it was launched in 2001, the ACD has progressed smoothly with co-operation among the member states in various areas.
While dealing with economic issues, the member countries in the recent meeting had also proposed to form an energy forum to regularly discuss key energy aspects such as developing better energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, alternative fuels and improved energy infrastructure networks.
The meeting had also decided to intensify political dialogue, increase mutual trust and co-ordination on international and regional issues and work to create a 'harmonious and stable' environment in the region.
The ACD was formally constituted during the 34th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Hanoi in July 2001. As a result, the first ACD Ministerial Meeting was held between in June 2002 in Cha-Am, Thailand.
It was a historic and successful event that brought together countries representing sub-regions in Asia and provided a venue where Asian countries can freely discuss issues of common interests and put forward measures to enhance mutual co-operation in all areas.
The ACD currently comprises countries from East to West Asia, and is the first forum ever that aims to eventually encompass all countries in Asia.
Current member countries of the ACD are Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.
The new members to be formally admitted to the ACD in 2005 are Iran, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates and Bhutan.