Pakistan committed to objectives of SAARC charter: PM

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday said Pakistan attached great importance to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and remained committed to its principles and objectives of its Charter.

In a speech during his visit to SAARC Secretariat, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had always strived to make SAARC a vibrant vehicle for regional cooperation based on the principle of sovereign equality.

Prime Minister Abbasi said SAARC had immense potential for strengthening the economies of the member countries and to promote collaboration in various areas of mutual significance.

He emphasized that the organisation needed to work towards achieving economic, cultural and social growth of the region. He stressed increased level of connectivity among the SAARC member states for a prosperous region.

Abbasi said that at all meetings of the SAARC, Pakistan had advanced its belief that a secure and peaceful environment in South Asia was crucial for the advancement of region’s development and prosperity.

He said as the host of next SAARC summit, Pakistan looking forward to convening the summit at an early date and assured that the country would play a positive role in further strengthening regional cooperation.

Secretary General SAARC Amjad Hussain B. Sial said Pakistan was playing important role in SAARC and had previously hosted two summits.

Later, the Prime Minister planted a sapling of Pine at the premises of SAARC Secretariat.