Twenty-one years ago, the vision of shared a destiny of the peoples of South Asia was enshrined in the Charter of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The process to establish a regional identity was fraught with difficulties but over the years, our collective resolve has laid down a solid foundation to build a durable structure of peace and development in the region.
The re-invigoration of the SAARC process at the Islamabad Summit opened up new avenues of cooperation and the same spirit was reflected at Dhaka wherein the SAARC family embraced Afghanistan as a full member besides admitting China and Japan as observers. The Association of South Korea, USA and European Union as observers illustrates the strength of our organization as it continues to establish global partnerships.
However, much remains to be done to lift the socio-economic condition of millions in our region mired in poverty and deprivation. We need to join hands to confront the challenges of peace and development for the benefit of all our peoples. This remains the primary objective of our Association.
Today, let us commit ourselves again to the principles and
objectives of the SAARC Charter and reaffirm our determination to create a lasting
partnership for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia.