NEW YORK: The Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has stressed that SAARC is an important Forum for organising a collective response to the regional challenges, particularly the regional development needs.

He made the remarks while participating in the Informal Session of the SAARC Council of Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the 70th Session of UNGA, Wednesday. The Foreign Minister of Nepal hosted and chaired this session.

The Advisor on foreign affairs said Pakistan was committed to the objectives enshrined in the Charter of SAARC, its Social Charter and its Development Goals. Pakistan had, over the years, taken substantial steps to advance the ideals and objectives of SAARC. He said Pakistan wanted SAARC to seize the moment, to leverage the full potential and reinvigorate the constructive engagement.

Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan looks forward to welcoming all the SAARC Member States to the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad, next year.