ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has underlined that 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.
The prime minister said this during a meeting with SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, who is currently visiting Pakistan, on Friday.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to the mutually beneficial goals and objectives embodied in the SAARC Charter, the prime minister emphasised on strengthening cooperation on issues of common interest including climate change, education, poverty alleviation, energy integration and health challenges.
Strongly condemning the Sialkot incident, the prime minister expressed condolences on the death of Priyantha Kumara and stated 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.
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. He also expressed hope to host the SAARC Summit in Pakistan when artificial obstacles created in its way would be removed.
The secretary general thanked the prime minister for his guidance on the SAARC related issues and assured him that during his tenure he will make determined efforts to strengthen collaboration among member states in different fields for the benefit of all the countries of South Asian region.
Separately, Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday. They discussed the future prospects of the blue economy of Pakistan. The minister said that Pakistan economy is growing owing to the prime minister’s vision of a blue economy.
