Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has said the role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is central to deliver on the dreams and aspirations of South Asia. The minister made the statement in a special message published on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the founding of SAARC.
In his message, Foreign Minister Shahid extended warm greetings and good wishes to the Secretary General of SAARC, all entities affiliated to SAARC and the people of all member states of SAARC. The minister noted SAARC has always striven to promote regional cooperation in South Asia, as a means to improve the economic welfare and the quality of life of the peoples of South Asia. He said the members of SAARC share a lot of mutual values and principles, as well as historic and cultural ties.
Foreign Minister Shahid said the people of South Asia collectively aspire to a life of dignity, prosperity, social harmony, peace and security. He said SAARC’s role is central to deliver on the dreams and aspirations of the South Asian people, as it is the sole regional intergovernmental platform in South Asia.
The minister said member states must strive to heighten SAARC’s relevance for the people of South Asia, adding mutual trust, understanding and partnership must be reinforced amongst member states for the SAARC community to flourish. He said Maldives remains hopeful that SAARC will be revitalized.
Foreign Minister Shahid concluded his remarks by wishing all member states of SAARC success in realizing the shared vision of a bright future for the people of South Asia.