ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the mutually beneficial goals and objectives embodied in the SAARC Charter, Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can provide a conducive and beneficial atmosphere to build economic synergies which can transform the quality of life of the people of South Asia.
Talking to the SAARC Secretary-General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon who paid a courtesy call on him in Islamabad on Friday, the prime minister emphasized on strengthening cooperation on issues of common interest including climate change, education, poverty alleviation, energy integration, and health challenges.
The prime minister appreciated the SAARC secretary-general’s efforts to further improve and promote SAARC processes and assured him of continued support of the government of Pakistan in further strengthening regional cooperation under the SAARC ambit.
Imran Khan also expressed hope to host the SAARC Summit in Pakistan when artificial obstacle created in its way would be removed.
The secretary-general thanked the prime minister for his guidance on SAARC related issues and assured him that during his tenure he will make determined efforts to strengthen the collaboration among member states in different fields for the benefit of all the countries of the South Asian region.
Furthermore, strongly condemning the Sialkot incident, the prime minister expressed condolences on the death of the Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot, and that there was no justification whatsoever for such acts and that all necessary steps have been taken in order to speedily bring the perpetrators to justice.
