Today, twenty-one years ago, the leaders of seven countries from South Asia met in Dhaka to establish a vehicle for promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in the region. The goals and objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter on that historic occasion remain true today and so does our resolve to create a better future for the peoples of South Asia.
We have come a long way since then and SAARC has made significant strides for development in the region. We must endeavour to keep the momentum generated by the 13th Summit at Dhaka by bridging iniquities both within the region and within our societies. Benefits of cooperation for development must be spread evenly in South Asia to ensure a region-wide uplift of the quality of life or our peoples. We hope to carry this process forward when we meet again at New Delhi early next year.
SAARC’s global profile has been enhanced by the addition of Afghanistan as the eighth member and association of China and Japan as Observers. SAARC should continue to form partnerships with other regional and international organization to reap the benefits of globalization for the betterment of our peoples.
The Government and people of Pakistan remain committed to SAARC in our joint endeavor for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous South Asia.