Thirteenth SAARC Summit, Dhaka
The Prime Minister of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia; the Prime
Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonpo Sangay
Ngedup; the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency
Dr. Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, His
Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; the King of Nepal, His Majesty
Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev; the Prime Minister of the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Shaukat Aziz; and, the
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Her
Excellency Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga met at the Thirteenth
Summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 12 - 13 November 2005.
Regional cooperation
2. The Heads of State or Government noted that the Thirteenth Summit
was taking place at an important moment in the evolution of South
Asia when SAARC stood at the threshold of a new decade of its existence.
They agreed that the Summit provided a unique opportunity to consolidate
the gains made in regional cooperation during its first two decades
and to chart a forward-looking strategy to promote effective cooperation
at all levels to realize the objectives and principles set out in
the Charter of the Association.
3. The Heads of State or Government noted that cooperation and
partnership within the framework of SAARC is based on the sound
foundation of shared values, beliefs and aspirations. The objectives
and goals of SAARC, they affirmed, were of continuing relevance
and importance to all Member States. The dynamics of recent political
and economic changes in South Asia and the world highlighted the
importance of, and the compelling logic for, a more vibrant and
effective process of constructive regional cooperation. They emphasized
their commitment to making such cooperation an enduring feature
and thus contribute to the region’s peace, progress and stability.
4. The Heads of State or Government noted that SAARC has evolved
in a positive direction during the first two decades of its existence
and that its agenda encompassed concerns and areas vital for the
fulfillment of the Charter objectives of promoting the welfare of
the peoples of South Asia, accelerating economic growth, social
progress, cultural development and strengthening collective self-reliance
among the countries of South Asia. They stressed that realization
of these objectives not only called for continued and serious result-oriented
efforts but also for consistent endeavours to translate pledges
and commitments into concrete actions, regional initiatives and
projects. They reiterated their commitment to making SAARC an effective
instrument for cooperation, which will visibly improve the quality
of life of millions in South Asia.
5. The Heads of State or Government emphasized that efforts must
continue to free South Asia from poverty, hunger and other forms
of deprivation and social injustice which present a daunting challenge.
Member States expressed determination to work towards significantly
accelerating regional cooperation in economic areas. The main emphasis
will be to secure a wider economic space, so that benefits and opportunities
offered therein can be shared by all, and that the true economic
potential of South Asia can be fully realized. Efforts will be made
to create dynamic complementarities in the development of human
resources and capacity of Member States to address their common
challenges. They underlined the need to accelerate regional cooperation
through all possible means and mechanisms, including exchange of
best practices in various fields in the Member States.
6. The Heads of State or Government reiterated that the peoples
of South Asia are the real source of strength and driving force
for SAARC and resolved to make regional cooperation more responsive
to their hopes and aspirations. They agreed that the Association
should broaden its engagement with the civil society organizations,
professional groups, and entrepreneurs. Member States should also
strive to promote and assert their South Asian identity, encourage
greater people-to-people contact and draw strength from their shared
cultural heritage.
7. The Heads of State or Government emphasized the importance of
initiating project cooperation under the SAARC auspices. They encouraged
Member States to undertake projects, as per existing provisions
of the Charter. These projects may pertain to economic and social
sectors, including Human Resource Development and Poverty Alleviation.
These may be undertaken, where required, with financial or technical
assistance, from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) or,
UN Funds and Programmes or, any extra-regional State, as appropriate.
Poverty Alleviation
8. The Heads of State or Government decided to declare the decade
of 2006-2015 as the SAARC Decade of Poverty Alleviation. During
the Decade, endeavours – both at the national and regional
level - will continue to be made with a sense of commitment and
urgency to free South Asia from poverty.
9. The Heads of State or Government appreciated the valuable work
of the Independent South Asian Commission on Poverty Alleviation
(ISACPA). They also endorsed the SAARC Development Goals (SDGs),
as recommended by the Commission, and called for follow-up and implementation
of the Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation, adopted by the 12th
SAARC Summit. They entrusted the ISACPA to continue its advisory
and advocacy role in this regard. They endorsed the priorities for
action identified in the Report of ISACPA adopted by the Twelfth
SAARC Summit. They agreed that these priorities would be duly taken
into account while working out the elements for regional initiatives
in this vital area. They decided to focus on formulation and implementation
of concrete regional programmes and projects as well as forging
partnerships among all stakeholders.
10. Underlining the need for an exclusive forum for focused and
comprehensive examination of poverty related issues, the Heads of
State / Government decided to replace the three-tier mechanism on
poverty alleviation by a two-tier one, comprising the Ministers
and the Secretaries dealing with Poverty Alleviation at the national
level.
Funding Mechanisms
11. The Heads of State or Government decided to establish a SAARC
Poverty Alleviation Fund (SPAF) with contributions both voluntary
and/or, assessed, as may be agreed. They called upon the Finance
Ministers to formulate recommendations on the operational modalities
of the Fund, taking into consideration the outcome of the Meeting
of the Financial Experts. In this regard, they welcomed the offer
of Pakistan to host the next meeting of the Finance Ministers. The
operational modalities of the SPAF shall be decided by the Finance/
Planning Ministers. They agreed that the SPAF shall function within
the SADF to be reconstituted, as SAARC Development Fund (SDF), to
serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects
and programmes and comprise three Windows namely Social Window,
Infrastructure Window and Economic Window with a Permanent Secretariat.
12. The Heads of State or Government decided that Finance Ministers
should meet within the first quarter after every Summit and also
on the sidelines of the World Bank and ADB annual meetings, to take
stock of macro-economic developments and outlook for South Asia,
achievement of SAARC Development Goals as co-related to Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) and to assess the investment climate, foreign
capital inflows, financial sector reforms and other areas of cooperation.
Advancing Economic Cooperation
13. The Heads of State or Government stressed that accelerating
cooperation in the core economic areas was of vital importance for
the realization of Charter objectives and also for making South
Asia truly vibrant, dynamic and secure in its robust progress. They
reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate cooperation in the economic
and commercial fields, especially in the energy sector. They noted
the progress in the negotiations on outstanding issues and directed
early finalization of all the Annexes ensuring entry into force
of the SAFTA Agreement as agreed, with effect from 1 January 2006.
14. The Heads of State or Government stressed the importance of
the entry into force of the SAFTA Agreement on the scheduled date
i.e. 1 January 2006. The launching of SAFTA would mark an important
milestone on the road to a South Asian Economic Union. They directed
that the negotiations on the outstanding issues under the Agreement
should be completed by end November 2005. They further directed
that the necessary national procedures should be completed in time
to facilitate the operationalisation of the Agreement.
15. They reiterated the need to strengthen transportation and communication
links across the region for accelerated and balanced economic growth.
They directed further measures aimed at trade liberalisation, as
provided for in the SAFTA Agreement. They noted with satisfaction
the ongoing SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study to enhance
transport connectivity among the Member States. The Heads of State
or Government agreed to undertake trade facilitation measures, including
transit among SAARC countries, on the basis of understanding among
concerned countries, for enhancing intra-regional trade and other
economic activities. They noted the Indian proposal in this regard.
They agreed to study the proposal by India for daily air service
facility by designated airlines, on a reciprocal basis and without
prejudice to existing rights, to all the SAARC Member States and
also the proposal to extend fifth freedom rights to designated airlines
from the Member States, both intermediate and beyond, within the
SAARC region on a reciprocal basis.
16. The Heads of State or Government recognized the need to take
the process of regional economic integration further by expanding
the scope of SAFTA to include trade in services, enhanced investment
and harmonized standards.
17. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the signing of the
following Agreements during the thirteenth SAARC Summit:
The Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters
The Agreement on the Establishment of SAARC Arbitration Council
The Limited Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Mutual
Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters
18. They emphasized the need for parallel initiatives for dismantling
of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers. In this context, they called
for expeditious action on conclusion of agreements on mutual recognition
of standards, testing and measurements with a view to facilitating
intra-regional trade. They recognized the potential of trade in
services which have expanded rapidly at the informal level. They
called for a study to see how services could be integrated into
the SAFTA process.
19. The Heads of State or Government decided to encourage, where
appropriate, trade-creating investment in the Member States. They
stressed the need for closer regional cooperation in the field of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including Tele-communications.
20. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the Joint Statement
of the First SAARC Energy Ministers meeting in October 2005 in Islamabad.
They agreed to the recommendation to establish the SAARC Energy
Centre in Islamabad; to promote development of energy resources,
including hydropower; and energy trade in the region; to develop
renewable and alternative energy resources; and promote energy efficiency
and conservation in the region. They underlined the need to constitute
a South Asian Energy Dialogue process, involving officials, experts,
academics, environmentalists and NGOs, to recommend measures to
tap potentials of cooperation in energy sector to provide inputs
to the Working Group on Energy.
21. The Heads of State or Government noted the proposal for the
establishment of a Regional Food Bank proposed by India and agreed
to examine the proposal.
22. With regard to paragraph 15 of the Council of Ministers Report,
the Heads of State or Government noted the offer of Nepal to host
the Regional Support Unit.
South Asia’s Social Challenges
23. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment
to take initiatives at national as well as regional levels for achieving
the specific objectives contained in the SAARC Social Charter. They
recognized that realization of these objectives is crucial to enable
SAARC to meet the hopes and aspirations of the common peoples of
South Asia and visibly improve the quality of their lives. They
emphasized that in outlining future actions in this regard national
implementation efforts should be complemented by regional programmes
and projects in areas requiring collective regional response. They
appreciated the establishment of National Coordination Committees
(NCCs) in all Member States, decided on annual meetings of the Heads
of NCCs and directed convening of their first meeting at the earliest
for follow-up and implementation of the Social Charter. In this
regard, they noted the proposal from the Maldives to convene an
experts' group meeting on establishing a Civil Society Resource
Centre.
24. The Heads of State or Government called upon the Member States
to expeditiously complete the process of preparing their national
strategy and plan of action. They also emphasized that national
implementation efforts should be complemented by regional projects
and programmes. In this context, they directed that regional projects,
particularly in health and poverty alleviation, should be initiated.
25. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their pledge to
continue to work in the next decade and beyond to address the formidable
challenges faced by women and children, especially the girl child.
They noted that sustained efforts were needed on the part of the
Member States not only to free them from all types of deprivation
but also to make them full partners and beneficiaries of South Asian
progress and development. In this context, they decided that a mid-term
review of the progress in realizing the objectives of SAARC Decade
on the Rights of the Child (2001 – 2010) should be undertaken
in 2006.
26. The Heads of State or Government affirmed their strong resolve
to continue to work together to address the problem posed by trafficking
in women and children. They expressed satisfaction at the ratification
of the SAARC Conventions relating to Trafficking in Women and Children
and Promotion of Child Welfare by all Member States and called for
effective measures for their early implementation. They noted that
the civil society organizations and the media have an important
role to play in raising awareness of the degrading and inhuman treatment
faced by the victims of trafficking. They encouraged them to continue
their constructive role in this regard. They stressed that law enforcement
agencies in the Member States should also coordinate and strengthen
their efforts to address this problem effectively.
27. The Heads of State or Government noted the achievements of
the Member States during recent years in the area of primary education
through sustained efforts and adoption of country specific innovative
approaches. They recognized that regional initiatives in this particular
area might focus on sharing of experiences and best practices. They
also called for optimal utilization of resources and identification
of strategic interventions in the area of training, management and
performance evaluation of these programmes so as to ensure sustainability,
coverage and quality of education imparted and services provided.
They stressed that freeing South Asia from the scourge of illiteracy
is a major objective of SAARC in the third decade of its activities.
They called for effective measures to realize the SDGs, in particular
universal primary education in the context of pursuing the Millennium
Development Goals.
28. The Heads of State or Government stressed that to meet the
challenges of the twenty-first century Member States must make important
strides in the areas of science, technology and higher education.
They decided to give priority attention to encourage regional cooperation
in these areas to derive benefits from the synergy of collective,
well-planned and focused initiatives undertaken by Member States.
They directed that a SAARC Plan of Action for Science, ICT and Technology
be elaborated for consideration during a Meeting of SAARC Science,
ICT and Technology Ministers to be convened as soon as possible.
They noted the offer of India to establish a South Asian University
and agreed to examine this matter further.
29. The Heads of State or Government recognized the need to collaborate
on preparedness for addressing health emergencies, including prevention
and control of pandemics like avian influenza, as these pose a major
global threat with impact on health, trade and tourism involving
human mobility. They emphasized on the need to develop a regional
strategy for such emergencies as soon as possible; and identify
and strengthen collaboration within and beyond the region and establish
links with other regional organizations. They called for early establishment
of a SAARC Health Surveillance Centre and a Rapid Deployment Health
Response System, to deal with emerging and re-emerging diseases.
30. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the preparation of
a strategy for collective SAARC response to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS. They noted that regional response in this regard should
be further enhanced to eliminate this dreadful disease from South
Asia. In this regard, they emphasized the importance of early implementation
of the Regional Strategy of HIV/AIDS. At the same time, they underscored
the need for increasing cooperation to develop regional strategies
for the prevention and treatment of Dengue, Malaria and other infectious
or communicable diseases constituting major public health concerns.
31. The Heads of State or Government agreed to launch a regional
initiative with regard to basic healthcare services and sanitation
in the rural areas and encouraged exchange of experience and best
practices within the region. They called for expediting elaboration
of a SAARC Plan of Action for cooperation in medical expertise and
pharmaceuticals, as well as traditional medicine, and availing affordable
pharmaceuticals produced in the region, harmonization of standards
and certification procedures and production of affordable medicines.
They also agreed that steps should be taken to promote traditional
medicine and to protect the intellectual property rights related
to them as a matter of regional priority.
South Asia’s Environmental Challenges and Natural Disasters
32. They further decided to consider the modalities for having
a Regional Environment Treaty in furthering environmental cooperation
among the SAARC Member States. They expressed deep concern at the
continuing degradation of environment and reaffirmed the importance
of concerted action in the protection and preservation of environment.
While expressing satisfaction at the progress in implementation
of the SAARC Environment Action Plan, the Leaders welcomed the decision
of the Council of Ministers to establish a SAARC Forestry Centre
in Bhutan. They emphasized on the need for the Centre to have a
coordinating role in the field of Forestry for exchange of information,
expertise, training and formulation of regional projects with emphasis
on social forestry.
33. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the Declaration of
the Special Session of the SAARC Environment Ministers in Male in
June 2005 convened in the wake of the tsunami catastrophe. They
endorsed the recommendation for elaboration of regional programmes
and projects for early warning, preparedness and management of tsunami
and other natural disasters. They called for elaboration of a Comprehensive
Framework on Early Warning and Disaster Management.
34. They endorsed the decision of the Special Session of the SAARC
Environment Ministers to further enhance the capacity of the existing
SAARC Institutions namely, SAARC Meteorological Research Centre
and SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre, to carry out their mandated
tasks.
35. In view of the extensive loss of life and colossal damage to
property as a result of earthquake and tsunami and other natural
disasters in South Asia, the Heads of State or Government underscored
the urgency to put in place a permanent regional response mechanism
dedicated to disaster preparedness, emergency relief and rehabilitation
to ensure immediate response. They directed the concerned national
authorities to coordinate their activities in such areas of disaster
management as early warning, exchange of information, training and
sharing of experiences and best practices in emergency relief efforts.
36. The Heads of State or Government underlined the need for collaborative
action in the area of environment, including water conservation,
to promote sustainable development. They decided to proclaim the
Year 2007 as the “Year of Green South Asia” devoted
to a region-wide aforestation campaign. They also agreed to address
the problem of arsenic contamination of groundwater and assistance
to affected peoples.
Combating Terrorism
37. The Heads of State or Government agreed that terrorism violates
the fundamental values of the SAARC Charter and the United Nations,
and constitutes one of the most critical threats to international
peace and security. The Heads of State or Government expressed their
satisfaction at the ratification of the Additional Protocol to the
SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism by all Member States
and called for putting in place effective mechanisms for its implementation.
They strongly condemned terrorist violence in all its forms and
manifestations, agreed that terrorism is a challenge to all States
and a threat to all of humanity, and cannot be justified on any
grounds. They underlined that there should be no double standards
in the fight against terrorism. In view of the continuing and recent
terrorist attacks in the region and their impact on security, economic
stability and social development, they expressed their determination
to unite in their efforts in preventing and combating terrorism.
They also noted the United Nations Security Council resolution 1373
(2001) in this regard.
38. They called for early and effective implementation of the Additional
Protocol to the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism. They
underscored the need for an early conclusion of a Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism. They also agreed that Member
States would strengthen their cooperation in such important areas
as exchange of information, coordination and cooperation among their
relevant agencies.
39. They decided that SAARC Interior/Home Ministers would meet
annually preceded by a meeting of the Interior/Home Secretaries.
40. The Heads of State or Government directed that concrete measures
be taken to enforce the provisions of the Regional Convention on
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances through an appropriate
regional mechanism.
Security of small states
41. The Heads of State or Government noted that due to their specific
vulnerabilities, small states require special measures for support
from all concerned for safeguarding their sovereignty, independence
and territorial integrity. In this context, they stressed that protection
of small states should be firmly rooted in scrupulous adherence
to the UN Charter, rule of law and the strict adherence to universally
accepted principles and norms related to sovereign rights and territorial
integrity of all States, irrespective of their size. They committed
themselves to give concrete expression to protect the interest and
security of all small states through the pursuit of appropriate
policies and actions.
People-to-people contact and cultural cooperation
42. The Heads of State or Government noted that the spirit of SAARC
needed to be sustained by efforts to promote people-to-people contact
and by a vibrant civil society throughout South Asia actively engaged
in forging links across national boundaries. They felt that the
Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians should meet at
an early date to establish a mechanism for periodic contacts among
the Parliamentarians of South Asia. They stressed that continued
efforts would be made by the Member States at all levels to promote
people-to-people contact by facilitating travel among SAARC countries,
promotion of youth exchanges in culture and sports, promotion of
intra-SAARC tourism, establishment of linkages among professional
bodies and through adoption of other concrete measures. They decided
to launch 2006 as “South Asia Tourism Year." They directed
their Ministers for Tourism to meet at an early date and elaborate
a plan of activities to be undertaken during the year 2006. They
also stated that Member States would encourage initiatives by private
sector entities in promoting understanding and harmony in the region.
43. The Heads of State or Government recognized the crucial role
of culture in bringing the peoples of South Asia closer. They also
stressed that cooperation in the area of culture was vital for reinforcing
and projecting the distinct identity of South Asia. In this context,
they expressed satisfaction on the progress made in establishing
the SAARC Cultural Centre in Kandy and underlined the importance
of making it operational at the earliest. They also directed the
SAARC Ministers of Culture to meet as soon as possible to elaborate
a SAARC Agenda for Culture. They noted the offer of India to establish
a SAARC Museum of Textiles and Handicrafts inter alia to preserve
designs in various crafts and related traditions, train artisans
and crafts persons, foster design skills, hold promotional events,
undertake research.
International political and economic environment
44. The Heads of State or Government reviewed international political
and economic developments since their last Summit in Islamabad.
They underscored the imperative need to ensure universal adherence
to the principles and objectives enshrined in the UN Charter. They
called upon the international community to redouble efforts to meet
the commitments of the Millennium Summit and the Monterrey consensus.
They noted the outcome of the UN World Summit 2005 and underlined
the need for meaningful reforms of the United Nations system in
consonance with its role as the central organ for the cooperative
management of the global problems and for the promotion of peace,
security, development, justice and human rights. They also reiterated
their full support for a comprehensive approach, which would facilitate
implementation of the Millennium Declaration and the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) in a time bound manner.
45. The Heads of State or Government stressed that promotion of
global peace and security inter alia called for removing the existing
asymmetries in security and in ensuring undiminished security for
all, at the regional and global levels. They also emphasized the
importance of pursuing effectively the global objectives of universal
disarmament and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction.
46. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment
to further strengthen the multilateral trade regime of WTO. They
called upon all WTO members to demonstrate necessary understanding
and accommodation for a breakthrough at the Hong Kong Ministerial
meeting in December 2005 to pave the way for the successful conclusion
of the Doha Development Round. They underscored that the development
dimension should continue to be at the heart of the on-going negotiations
so that the legitimate concerns of the developing countries are
adequately reflected in the outcome of the current round of trade
negotiations. They agreed that the SAARC Member States would work
closely together to coordinate their positions in the on-going negotiations
on trade and other key economic issues. The Heads of State or Government
directed the Commerce Ministers to hold consultations on the sidelines
of the 6th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Hong Kong in
December 2005, to evolve a common SAARC Position on issues of common
concern.
47. The Heads of State or Government addressed the question of
electing the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the year
2006, being aware of the unanimous view that the well-established
principle of geographical rotation should be observed and that an
Asian should be appointed as the next Secretary-General of the United
Nations. In this regard, they noted that Sri Lanka has offered a
candidate.
Enhancing Political Cooperation
48. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the growing importance
being placed by all Member States to promote cooperation in an environment
of enduring peace and stability in South Asia. They reiterated their
commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, territorial
integrity and national independence, non-use of force, non-intervention,
and non-interference in the internal affairs of other Member States.
Recognizing the increasing interdependence and the imperative of
pursuing the objectives of peace, freedom, social justice and economic
prosperity, they re-affirmed their resolve to foster mutual understanding,
good neighbourly relations and a more meaningful cooperation through
sustained constructive engagement among Member States.
External Profile and Linkages of SAARC
49. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the observer status
granted to SAARC by the United Nations General Assembly at its Fifty-ninth
Session; and expressed the hope that this would not only enhance
the profile of SAARC in the world body but would also enable Member
States to project common positions of SAARC in various multilateral
forums. They also acknowledged the renewed interest of other regional
and international organizations, bodies and entities to cooperate
with SAARC in various collaborative endeavours in accordance with
the objectives and priorities of SAARC. The Heads of State or Government
welcomed the request by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for
membership and invited Afghanistan as a member, subject to the completion
of formalities. They also welcomed and agreed in principle with
the desire of the People’s Republic of China and Japan to
be associated as observers. The Council of Ministers will decide
the modalities in this regard at their twenty-seventh meeting in
July 2006.
Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms of SAARC
50. The Heads of State or Government agreed that with the incremental
broadening of the SAARC agenda and increased emphasis being placed
on implementation of plans and programmes, there was a need for
a commensurate strengthening of institutional capabilities of SAARC.
Recognizing the importance of thematic Ministerial meetings, they
emphasized that these meetings should focus on regional challenges
and priorities and contribute to the realization of the objectives
of SAARC. They agreed that on completion of twenty years of SAARC's
existence, it was essential that a comprehensive review and reform
of all SAARC institutions and mechanisms, including the Secretariat
and the Regional Centers should be undertaken. In this context,
they called on the Council of Ministers to convene a Meeting of
Experts, to be nominated by each Member State, to undertake a detailed
Study and present a report to the next Council of Ministers. They
empowered the current Chairman of the Council of Ministers to prepare
within the next fifteen days a draft Terms of Reference for the
Study to be approved, if necessary, by tele-conferencing of all
SAARC Foreign Ministers.
SAARC Vision: An agenda for Third Decade of SAARC
51. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment
to the realisation of the vision of South Asian Economic Union in
a phased and planned manner. They agreed that as SAARC completed
its twenty years of its existence, it was an opportune occasion
to draw a roadmap for regional cooperation in South Asia for the
next decade. In view of the new challenges facing the region, pledges
and commitments made in the last two decades should be translated
into concrete actions in the form of regional projects and programmes
and innovative initiatives.
52. They directed all SAARC institutions and mechanisms to work
collectively towards a decade dedicated to implementation so that
a visible and discernible impact can be felt across South Asia.
They emphasized that while this would enable SAARC to realize its
basic objectives of improving the quality of life of all South Asian
peoples, it would at the same time create an enabling environment
towards the establishment of a South Asian Economic Union. They
directed the Standing Committee to formulate its recommendations,
at its next Special Session, on a Vision for SAARC’s Third
Decade and the course of action for its realization, to be elaborated
by a high-level Committee of Senior Officials.
Date and venue of the Fourteenth SAARC Summit
53. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the offer of the
Government of India to host the Fourteenth SAARC Summit in 2007.
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