Reception held to mark SAARC Charter Day

SAARC aims to promote welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their lives

Kathmandu, December 8

Amjad Hussain B Sial, secretary general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, hosted a reception to commemorate the 34th SAARC Charter Day in Kathmandu today.

Vice-president Nanda Bahadur Pun was the chief guest of the event. A large number of dignitaries and officials from the Government of Nepal, leaders of political parties, resident ambassadors, heads of regional and international organisations, representatives from civil society and business community, as well as professionals from various fields attended the function, stated a press release issued by the SAARC Secretariat.

In his remarks, Secretary General Sial expressed sincere gratitude to the vice-president for gracing the event and also welcomed the guests.

In his address, Sial said, “Over the last 33 years, SAARC has made steady progress towards socio-economic development in the region, which is fundamental to the promotion of the welfare of the peoples.”

He further stated, “Endowed with vast human and natural resources, South Asia has immense potential. With sustained endeavours, we will surely be able to realise the region’s fullest potential. Essentially, therefore, SAARC is the beacon of hope and aspiration, and a matter of pride for all South Asians. SAARC is our common identity, our inspiration and our future.”

The secretary general extended warmest felicitation to the peoples and governments of the member states on the auspicious occasion of SAARC Charter Day.

During the First Summit in Dhaka, the Heads of State/ Government adopted the Charter of SAARC on December 8, 1985, marking the beginning of a new era of regional cooperation in South Asia.

Established with the primary objective of promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia, SAARC promotes regional collaboration in almost every aspect of development activity having a bearing on the life and livelihood of the people.

As enshrined in its charter, the forum of eight countries in South Asia are bound by ties of shared history and culture, SAARC is a manifestation of the determination of its member states to promote peace, stability, amity and progress in the region through strict adherence to the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states

and peaceful settlement of disputes.