ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that Pakistan is committed to the objectives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
In a meeting with SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon here, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the SAARC charter for the welfare of the people of the region, economic integration and regional prosperity. “Pakistan believes SAARC can provide a conducive and congenial atmosphere to build economic synergies and transform the quality of life of the people of South Asia,” he said.
The SAARC Secretary General is on his first visit to Pakistan since assuming office in March 2020.
Expressing condolence on the death of Priyantha Kumara, the Foreign Minister said that the entire political leadership, religious scholars and Pakistani nation have condemned the incident and the government of Pakistan is determined to take all necessary steps to bring perpetrators to justice.
Qureshi recalled the important and constructive role played by Pakistan in realising the true potential of SAARC and making it a useful organisation for regional cooperation and mutual benefit based on the principle of sovereign equality.
He reassured the SAARC Secretary-General of Pakistan’s strong support for regional cooperation and urged him to accelerate the pace of SAARC process.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment for hosting the SAARC Summit when the artificial obstacles created in its way would be removed.
The SAARC Secretary-General thanked the Foreign Minister for sharing his views on different SAARC related issues and assured to make concerted efforts to strengthen cooperation among member states so as to realise the full potential of SAARC.
