It is high time SAARC focused on implementation of its commitments: PM Oli

PM Oli stated this in a message on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and SAARC Charter Day today. “South Asia offers vast potential for regional cooperation which can transform development landscape of this region,” the Prime Minister observed. Nepal is the current chair of SAARC. The following is the full text of the PM’s message: On the Joyous occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and SAARC Charter Day, I am pleased to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow South Asian citizens. Thirty years ago, today, a common endeavour to eradicate extreme poverty and herald a new dawn for peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia was initiated with seven countries of the region as founding members. SAARC, in its journey of three decades, has made several achievements by settings up of institutions, mechanism, developing norms and practices in order to promote cooperation among member states. During its three decades of existence, SAARC has held 18 Summits and a number of meetings on different subjects at various levels. It is now high time for SAARC to focus on effective implementation of our commitments and decisions to fulfill the ever growing aspirations of the people of South Asia through action-oriented, practical and realistic approach. South Asia offers vast potential for regional cooperation which can transform development landscape of this region. On this day, therefore, we all should pledge to work together to combat challenges of poverty, unemployment, terrorism, transnational crimes, natural disasters, environmental degradation, etc. through effective and efficient mobilization of SAARC mechanisms and resources. On behalf of the Government of Nepal and, as a founding member and current Chair of the SAARC, I take this opportunity to reiterate Nepal's unflinching commitments and adherence to the goals, objectives and principles of the SAARC. May this Charter day inspire us to further deepen regional integration for peace and prosperity by promoting mutual trust, amity, understanding, cooperation and partnership among member states of the SAARC!. RSS