I am pleased to send this message on the occasion of the commemoration of the SAARC Charter Day – 2006.
On the 8th December 1985, the Heads of State of the seven South Asian countries signed a Charter to establish the South Asian Association for Regional cooperation (SAARC) to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia, accelerate economic and social development of the member states. It is indeed an important occasion to reiterate our commitment to the objectives of the SAARC Charter and renew our pledge for the realization of its goals.
The social agenda of the Association today covers virtually all key areas of socio-economic development in the region. In this context, we welcome the objectives enshrined in the SAARC Social Charter. It has strengthened the commitment and provided a mechanism to assist the member states to prepare the national plans of action to address issues of poverty alleviation, population stabilization, empowerment of women, youth mobilization, human resource development and protection of children. My office as the national focal point for the SAARC Social Charter has attached high priority to the successful implementation of the provision of the Charter.
I firmly believe that the observance of the SAARC Charter Day
will further strengthen our unity and promote our regional identity.