STATEMENTS AND DECLARATIONS OF SAARC - … · STATEMENTS AND DECLARATIONS OF SAARC ... We have seen external aggressions and brutal scenes ... birth as it were to a new era of enlightened

STATEMENTS AND DECLARATIONS OF SAARC

Summits of the Heads of State or Government (1985-2010)

Institute of Foreign Affairs, IFATripureshwor, Kathmandu

2010

Published By

Institute of Foriegn Affairs (IFA)Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone 977-1-4266954 977-1-4266955Fax 977-1-4266956E-mail [email protected] www.ifa.org.np

© Institute of Foriegn Affairs

First Published IFA,May2010 1000pcs

Printed at HeidelPressPvt.Ltd. Dillibazar,Kathmandu,Nepal. 977-1-4439812,2002346

Price : Rs. 300.00

Part IThe Statements of the Nepalese Heads of State or Government of SAARCfrom1985-2010

1. HisMajestyBirendraBirBikramShahDev

FirstSummit-1985Dhaka...................................................................... 1


SecondSummit-1986Bangalore........................................................... 4


ThirdSummit-1987Kathmandu............................................................ 7


FourthSummit-1988Islamabad............................................................11

5. Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterKrishnaPrasadBhattarai

FifthSummit-1990Malé....................................................................... 15

6. Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterGirijaPrasadKoirala

SixthSummit-1991Colombo.............................................................. 20

7. Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterGirijaPrasadKoirala

SeventhSummit-1993Dhaka.............................................................. 24

8. Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterManMohanAdhikari

EighthSummit-1995NewDelhi......................................................... 29

9. Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterLokendraBahadurChand

NinthSummit-1997Malé.................................................................. 32

Contents

10.Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterGirijaPrasadKoirala

TenthSummit-1998Colombo............................................................. 36

11.Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterSherBahadurDeuba

EleventhSummit-2002Kathmandu................................................... 41

12.Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterSuryaBahadurThapa

TwelfthSummit-2004Islamabad....................................................... 46

13.HisMajestyGyanendraBirBikramShahDev

ThirteenthSummit-2005Dhaka........................................................ 52


FourteenthSummit-2007NewDelhi.................................................. 59


FifteenthSummit-2008Colombo....................................................... 63

16.Rt.Hon’blePrimeMinisterMadhavKumarNepal

SixteenthSummit-2010Thimpu.......................................................... 67

Part IITheSummitDeclarationsoftheHeadsofStateorGovernmentoftheMemberCountriesofSAARCfrom1985-2010

1. FirstSAARCSummit-1985,DhakaDeclaration.................................... 75

2. SecondSAARCSummit-1986,BangaloreDeclaration........................ 79

3. ThirdSAARCSummit-1987,KathmanduDeclaration......................... 85

4. FourthSAARCSummit-1988,IslamabadDeclaration........................ 92

5. FifthSAARCSummit-1990,MaléDeclaration..................................... 99

6. SixthSAARCSummit-1991,ColomboDeclaration.............................105

7. SeventhSAARCSummit-1993,DhakaDeclaration.............................115

8. EighthSAARCSummit-1995,NewDelhiDeclaration..........................129

9. NinthSAARCSummit-1997,MaléDeclaration...................................142

10. TenthSAARCSummit-1998,ColomboDeclaration............................157

11. EleventhSAARCSummit-2002,KathmanduDeclaration...................176

12. TwelfthSAARCSummit-2004,IslamabadDeclaration........................190

13. ThirteenthSAARCSummit-2005,DhakaDeclaration........................ 197

14. FourteenthSAARCSummit-2007,NewDelhiDeclaration.................211

15. FifteenthSAARCSummit-2008,ColomboDeclaration...................... 219

16. SixteenthSAARCSummit-2010,ThimpuDeclaration........................229

Preface TheInstituteofForeignAffairs(IFA)ispleasedtopublishinasinglebookletform the texts of the Statements of the Nepalese Heads of State or Governmentand SummitDeclarationsof theHeadsof StateorGovernmentof the SouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)from1985to2010.

Needless to say, one of themain objectives of the Institute is to help strengthenthe operational and policy dynamism of theMinistry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) byproviding it with timely inputs and suggestions on varied issues of internationalrelations, particularly related to the implementation of foreign policy. Accordingly,the Instituteprovides regular inputs and suggestions to theMinistry, basedon theoutcomesandrecommendationsofdifferentseminars,talkprograms,workshopsandothersimilarinteractiveprogramsthatitorganizesfromtimetotime.ThepublicationofrecommendationsdistilledfromsuchimportantdeliberationsinabookletformtohelpincreasetheinstitutionalmemoryisanotherregularfeatureoftheInstitute.

Thepublicationofthisbookletisdonewiththoseveryobjectivesinmind.Theobjectiveofbringingthisbookletistofacilitateavidresearchers,studentsandotherinformedreaders to acquire comprehensive information and knowledge about the variousfacetsofregionalcooperation,itschallengesandachievements.Itishopedthatthisbookletwillobviatetheneedforthemhavingtolookfordifferentsourcestogetholdofcomprehensiveinformationontherangeofvariousissuesofregionalcooperation.

As canbe seen, thefirstpartof thebooklet containsa collectionof statementsofthe Nepalese Heads of State or Government from 1985 to 2010. The second partincorporatestheSummitDeclarationsadoptedandissuedatendofeachSAARCSummit.Theinstitutewillhighlyappreciateanysuggestions,commentsandrecommendations,ifany,fromthereaders.

Finally, the Institute is appreciative of the cooperation received from Ms. AnjanShakya,theDeputyExecutiveDirectorandothersupportingstaffoftheInstituteforthepublicationofthisbooklet.

Tika Jung ThapaExecutive DirectorIFA, TripuresworKathmandu, Nepal.

Part I

The Statements of the Nepalese Heads of State or Government of SAARC from 1985-2010

Statements & Declarations of SAARC

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StatementbyHis Majesty Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

KingofNepal,FirstSAARCSummit,7-8Dec.1985,Dhaka,Bangladesh

Mr. PresidentYour Majesty Your ExcellenciesDistinguished Delegates

ItisindeedwithgreatpleasurethatItakethisopportunitytoextendtoyouMr. President, congratulations on your election as Chairman of the FirstConferenceoftheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofthecountriesofSouthAsia.Withyourcommitmenttoourcommoncauseofregionalcooperationand wise counsel. I am confident that we will all move in a direction ofachievingourcommongoalwithlastingresults.

To all the distinguished delegates assembled here at this august gatheringIbring thegreetingsof thegovernmentandpeopleofNepal. IwouldalsoliketoaddwithitoursincerethankstothePresident,thegovernmentandthe friendly people of Bangladesh for the warm welcome and generoushospitality extended to us since our arrival in this friendly city of Dhaka.In view of the initiative consistently taken by the leaders of Bangladesh,includingthelatePresidentZiaurRahmanandyou,Mr.President,itisindeedfittingthatBangladeshshouldhavethehonourofhostingthisfirsthistoricconference.Iwouldalsoliketoconveymyappreciationfortheopportunitytorenewmypersonalcontactswiththeleadersoftheregionandtheexcellentarrangementsmadeforthisoccasion.

Mr.President,situatedintheHimalayas,Nepalasasentinelofindependencehas formany centurieswatchedover thedramaofour sub-continent thatstretchfromthesnowypeakstotherollingwavesoftheIndianOcean.Boundedbetweenthehighmountains,theseasandtheocean,thislandmassfromthepicturesqueatollstothehighmountainsconstitutesatotaleco-systemthat

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governsourlife.Eachsummerthemonsoonsetsintomotionapatternoflifethatareallsocommontous.Yearafteryearfromtheplantingofricetotheharvestingofwheat,ourpeople throughtheageshave followedacycleofeventsthatmarksthechangeofseasons intoaharmoniousrhythmof life.Undoubtedly,theHimalayasincombinationwiththeseasplaysacooperativerolethatcanonlybedescribedasprovidentiallymeaningful.

ForcenturiesNepalhaswatchedoverthemovingpageantsofpeoplesandcommunitieswhocamefromdifferentdirectionsindifferentepochstomakethisvast,sunlitregionofSouthAsiatheirhomesincethebeginningofhistory.This fact alsomakes us among themost ancient nations on earth. In themarchoftimesintheregion,wehaveheardexuberantcriesofvictoryaswellastheanguishofdefeat.Wehaveseenexternalaggressionsandbrutalscenescommitted throughgreedand inspiredby lust.Wehavealsoobserved thedefeatresultingintohumiliationthroughinternaldissensions.Inthemidstofitall,wehaveseendynastiesriseandfall,empirescomeandgo,civilizationsblossomandwitheraway.Yetthepeopleofourregionhavecontributedtotheworldthefinestofphilosophicthoughts,arichheritageofculturebasedonthequestofpeace,freedomandbrotherhoodamongmen.

Mr.President,weallknowthatthepeopleofSouthAsiaconstitutingnearlyonebillionarecrammedintoaregionwithrelativelylimitedlandandresourcebase.Withthelegaciesofinternaldivisions,exploitationanddominationbypowersbeyondus,Ithinktherearemanychallengeswefaceincommon.Theproblemsofbasicneedsremainrealforthelargesegmentsofourpeopleinthisregion.Theworldneverhashadinitsrecordedhistorysuchtechnologicalresourcesasithastodaytocopewithpovertyandhungeronaglobalscale.Butthegradualerosionofthecollectivespirithasaggravatedourproblemsand frustratedourefforts.Which iswhywehaveagreedover theyears tostrengthencooperationamongourselvesininternationalforaonmattersofcommon interest. The weakening of the global economic interdependenceand the disillusionment with the continuing deadlock in restructuring theinternationaleconomicorderhavethrustuponusgreaterresponsibilitiesforcollectiveself-relianceandSouth-Southcooperationonamuchlargerscale.

Indeed, it is our firm conviction that regional cooperation can strengthenthebuildingof a lastingedificeofpeaceful co-existence through initiativesand interactions in the fields like the cultural scientific, technological andeconomic spheres.We realize that there exist among usmany differencesinsize,situation,population,resourcesandthelevelsofdevelopment. Inaway,thisdiversityhasbeenourdrawbackinthepast.Butdestinyhasputustogether in suchcloseproximity thatnomatterhowhardwe try todelinkourselvesfromeachotherwecannotoverridethecompulsionsofgeography

Statements of SAARC


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norcanweeverignorethelessonsofhistory.Itis,indeed,afactoflifethathistorically,powershaveplayedonourdivisionstoanextentthateventheprinciples of non-alignment which we have commonly adhered to couldcometoadangerthreateningtheverypeaceandstabilityofthisregion.Thechallengethereforeiswhetherweareabletoturnourweaknessintostrengthbyresolvingtoreachintoaprincipleofagreeableharmony,anorderthatsaysnotforonebutforalltothebettermentofallourpeopleofthisregion.

Asthecenturydrawstoitscloseandaseachcountryisthinkingofavisionforthefuture,letthisgatheringbeabletochartoutacourseofactionbasednotonlyonhigh idealsalonebutalsooncommonsenseandhardrealism.Letusnotforgetthattheveryobjectiveswehavebeenseekinginsomanyforumshavenowbecomemoreurgentlythanever,acommonchallengetous.FormthesideofNepalwiththehighHimalayasasoneofourassetsandavastreservoirofyetuntappedwaterresourcethatcangivetothemillionsofourpeopleameanstofulfilltheirbasicneeds,Iwishtodrawtheattentiontothefactthatthereexiststhispricelessresourcewaitingtobeharnessedforthebenefitsofourpeople.

BeforeIconclude,Mr.President,mayIaddthatforthefirsttimeinthehistoryofourregion,wearegatheredheretosetasealonaCharterestablishingan institutional framework fordeliberationsanddecisionsonwhatwecandoamongourselvestopromotethewelfareofthepeoplesofthisregionbyupholding,atthesametime,theidealsandpurposesoftheUnitedNationsCharter, thefivePrinciplesofPeacefulCo-Existence togetherwith thoseoftheNon-AlignedMovementofWhichweallaresovereignmembers.Whileitisourcommonconcerntopreservetheindependenceandsecurityofeachcountryintheregion,wehavealsoacommoncommitmenttopromotethecauseofpeaceanddevelopment forourpeople. Theescalatingarms raceisdrainingworld’spreciousresources.Theworldand,aboveall,ourregionurgently needs a new wisdom capable of striking a balance between theclaimsofsecurityandthoseofbasicneeds.

Thechoiceforusintheregionisclear.Afteralongwinterofmistrust,coldnessandsuspicionthisregionofSouthAsiacertainlylooksforwardtoanewspringgivingbirth as it were to a new era of enlightened self-interest based on a commondesiretoreplaceconflictwithcooperation,tosubstitutediscordwithharmony,andfinally,movefromanattitudeofself-centerednesstoawideninghorizonofcontactsintheregioninaspiritofreciprocity,giveandtake,liveandletlive.MayGodgrantusallsuchavisionandstatesmanshiptomeetthischallengeofmakingtheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationavibrantrealitywithourpeoplefortheirwellbeing,peaceandjoy.

Thankyou.

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KingofNepal,SecondSAARCSummit,16-17Nov.1986,Bangalore,India

Mr. ChairmanYour MajestyYour ExcellenciesDistinguished Delegates

I should like to begin first by congratulating you, Mr. Chairman, on yourassumptionof theofficeof theChairmanshipof theSecondConferenceoftheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofthecountriesofSouthAsia.Idosonotonlybecauseitispartofthecustomaryritualsbutmorebecauseinassumingthisrole,Mr.PrimeMinister,yourepresentacountrywhichhasacontiguousborderinlandorseawithallcountriesofourregion.Indeeditremindsmealsooftheburdenofresponsibilitiesplacedonyourshoulderswhich,Ifeel,mustbesharedbyallofus ifwearetomakeheadwaytothegoalsofourinfantassociation.

ItistruethatasalargecountrywithvastpopulationandresourcesIndiahasthecapabilitytotransformherselfintooneoftheleadingindustrialnationsoftheworld.Inpointoffactsheisalreadyforgingherselfaheadinthatdirection.But thepace, indeed in the entire region, canbequickened if a conditionofuninterruptedpeaceandstabilitycanbebuilt inoursub-continent.Thiswouldentailamongotherthingsagenuinerespectforintegritynolessthanascrupulousobservanceoftheprinciplesofsovereignequalitytowhichweareallfirmlycommitted.Butitwouldalsocallforalargervision,magnanimity,understandingandaspiritofgiveandtake.Inaword,itiscooperationwhichweallseekincommonforourmutualbenefit.

IamsorrythatHisExcellencyPresidentZia-ul-HaqofPakistanhasnotbeenabletojoinusherethistime.ButIfeelconfidentthatPakistan’sinterestinSAARCcontinuesunabated.Iamhappytonotethatsheisbeingrepresented

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bynolessadistinguishedpersonthanherablePrimeMinister,Mr.Junejo.Aseachofushasanobligationtofulfillthecommitmentsweallhavepledgedtogether in Dhaka, I am happy to be reminded of the first Summitwe allhad thehonour toattend there lastDecemberunder theChairmanshipofPresidentErshadofBangladesh.IhavenodoubtthatinthehistoryofSouthAsia,hewillberememberedforthepioneeringrolehehasplayedinbringingtheSAARCfromconcepttoreality.Ideemitappropriatethereforetorecordmysinceregratitudetohimforthecontributionshehasmadetoourcommoncause.

Mr.Chairman,sincewemetinDhakalessthanayearago,wehavesetoutonaroadthatisnotonlylongbutcanalsobetoilsomeanddifficult.WehaveadoptedtheCharterandtherebyformalizedthebirthofSAARC.Asdirectedby the Summit, our Ministers and representatives have met and maderecommendationsaboutthesettingupofapermanentsecretariat.Theyhavealsomadesomeimportantsuggestionsaboutinternationaleconomicissues.They have discussed about the participation of women in developmentactivities.Theyhavetalkedaboutdrugabuseandtheirtrafficking.Theyhavealsosatanddeliberatedupontheproblemsofterrorismwhichplagueusinthesamewaythattheycanplagueanyone,anycountryandatanytime.Notlongago,inthespiritofSAARCourrepresentativesalsometinNewDelhiandmade recommendationsas to thewaysandmeans to tackle theproblemsofthechildrenofourregion.LookingbackfromthepointofviewofSAARCtheyear,onthewhole,hasbeenfairlyeventful.ThewaythegovernmentsofIndia,BangladeshandNepaldecidedtositandtalkaboutthesharingandmultipleuseofthewaterresourcesoftheregionforthebenefitofallshowsthatatrendtowardscooperationcanbesetinmotion.

Givenmutualgoodwill,aconstructiveapproachandaspiritofaccommodationthereis littlethatcanbeleftunaccomplished.LetusnotforgetthatunitedweformamajorpartoftheOldWorldthatgavebirthtoarichcivilizationand culture. The richness of our soil, rivers and climate produced wealthand attractedmanypeoples at differenttimes giving birth to a number oflanguages,beliefsandcultures.Wronglyperceivedandwhileplayedbyotherstheycanactasdarkforcesofdivisionanddissensionamongus.Eachofuscanbesubjecttodestabilization.Eachofuscanbepronetoinstability.Itwasperhapsthisfactthatalsopromptedustofollowapolicyofnon-alignment.Butinsuchasituationtherecouldhardlybeagreaterwisdomthantohaveanorganization like the SAARC that does provideuswith a framework forpeaceandcooperationinourregion.TheSAARCisasobercontactpointfromwhere,Ibelieve,anygapinperception,iftherebeany,canbebridgedslowlybutsurelythroughaprocessofmutualtrustandconfidenceforthebenefitof

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ourpeople.WhichiswhyIthinkwedecidedtomeetannuallysothatcontactsatthislevelcouldcontributetosmoothenthesharpedgesofdifferencesinperceptionsshouldtherebeany.

MayI,therefore,repeatwhatIsaidonlyelevenmonthsagoinDhaka.Aftera long winter of mistrust, coldness and suspicion this region of South Asiacertainlylooksforwardtoanewspringgivingbirthasitweretoaneweraofenlightenedself-interestbasedonacommondesiretoreplaceconflictwithcooperation,tosubstitutediscordwithharmony,andfinally,movefromanattitudeofselfcenterednesstoawideninghorizonofcontactsintheregioninaspiritofreciprocity,giveandtake,liveandletlive.MayGodgrantusallsuchavisionandstatesmanshiptomeetthischallengeofmakingtheSouthAsianAssociation for Regional Cooperation a vibrant reality with our people fortheirwellbeing,peaceandjoy.ItisonthesamenotethatIwishtoconcludemystatementfortheday.

Thankyou.

Statements of SAARC


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InauguralStatementbyHis Majesty Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

KingofNepal,ThirdSAARCSummit,2-4Nov.1987,Kathmandu,Nepal,

Mr. ChairmanYour Majesty Your Excellencies Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen

MayIbeginbyextending,onbehalfoftheNepalesepeople,theGovernmentandonmyown,awarmwelcometoyouallinKathmandu.WeinNepalareconsciousofthehonourbestoweduponourcountryinhostingthisSummit.Forus,holdingaSummitofthisnatureisanewexperience.We,therefore,seekyourunderstandingforourshortcomings.ThisisthethirdtimethatwehaveassembledfortheSAARCMeetingofHeadsofStateandGovernment.Wethushavewithusanexperienceoftwoyearswhenwehadmetearlierin Dhaka and then in Bangalore for the same purpose.We still have fondmemoriesofthefruitfulinteractionswehadonbothoccasions.

IalsorecallthewarmhospitalityaccordedtousbyPresidentErshadinDhakaandbyPrimeMinisterRajivGandhiinBangalore.ThereisnodoubtthatSAARChasprovideduswithawelcomeopportunitytomeetwitheachotheratleastonceayearandthishashelpedustounderstandeachotherbetter.Indeedbynowtheunderstandingwehavedevelopedamongourselvesshouldprovemorehelpful in the future.While IwishyouallapleasantandfruitfulstayinNepal,mayIhopethatyouwillfindtime,howeverbrief,to lookaroundthecitiesinKathmanduvalleyinthispartoftheorient,blendedintheirowntraditionandmodernityagainstthebackdropoftheHimalayas.

Straddling across the South and Central Asia, Nepal as you already knowis largely made up of mountain terrain making it forbiddingly difficult todevelop. Besides, with a view to guard her independence Nepal chose toremainahermitkingdomfornearlytowcenturies.Asaresult,withlittleor

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nocommunicationwiththeoutsideworldshefellbehindtimes.Suchatleastwas the price we had to pay for our freedom and independence. But thepictureisnowchanging.Inaworldthatisgettingsmallereverydaythroughthefastmeansofcommunication,itisimportantthatthecountriesofSouthAsialivingincloseproximitytoeachotherforgetiesthatarebeneficialtoall.ViewedinthislightthebirthofSAARCnaturallymarkedamomentousevent.

It is appropriate formeon thisoccasion toexpressonbehalfofusallourgratitudetoPrimeMinisterRajivGandhiofIndiaforthecontributionshemadeasChairmanofSAARCinsteeringusthroughyetanotherfruitfulyearsincetheBangaloreSummit.SinceourmeetinginDhakaandBangalore,wehavecoveredsomedistanceandmadeprogressintheagreedareasofcooperation.Therehavealsobeen fruitfulexchangeof ideasand informationatvariouslevelsinvolvingpeoplefrommanywalksoflifeandvocations.TheIntegratedProgrammeofActionhasbeenexpandedtoincludesuchimportantareasasWomeninDevelopmentandPreventionofDrugTraffickingandDrugAbuse.IamhappytonotethatourForeignMinisterswillsignduringthisSummittheAgreementestablishingSouthAsianFoodSecurityReserveandtheFinalActoftheSAARCRegionalConventiononSuppressionofTerrorism.

I believe that the Agreement will provide us with a much needed cushionagainst thecontingenciesof food inour region. I amalsohopeful that thesigningoftheFinalActoftheConventionagainstTerrorismwilltakeusastepclosertofreethisregionofAsiafromthescourgethatcanafflictusall.TheSAARCAudioVisualExchangeProgrammeisbeinglaunchedtocoincidewiththepresentSummit.SoontheSAARCChairs,Fellow-shipsandScholarshipswillbeinstitutedandorganizedTourismamongtheSAARCmembercountrieswill also begin. Likewise, efforts are underway to establish the SAARCDocumentationCentreandlaunchtheSAARCYouthVolunteerProgrammeattheearliestpossibledates.

Proposals for theestablishmentof regional institutions inseveralareasarenowunderconsideration.TheCouncilofMinistershasalreadyagreeduponthecommoncriteriaandproceduresrelatingtotheadministrativestructuringandfinancingofsuchinstitutions.TheestablishmentoftheSAARCSecretariatinKathmandu,asenvisagedinourCharter,tookplaceinJanuarythisyear.IrecallwithfondnesstheprivilegeIhadininauguratingtheSAARCSecretariatinthepresenceofourForeignMinisters. Isaidthen,andIdosonow,thatitwas an occasion of historic significance. Iwish to reiterate the heartfeltgratitudeofallNepaleseforthehonourgiventoustohostthisinstitution.

ThereisnodoubtthattheestablishmentoftheSAARCSecretariatmarksanimportantmilestoneinthejourneywehaveundertaken.Today,SAARCkindles

Statements of SAARC


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ourdreamsandexcitesourimagination.ButIalsofeelthatthereisadangerheretomovealongwithapiecemealapproachonlytakinguponeissuetodayand adding another tomorrow. I fear such a diverseapproach may lead usnowherenearourgoal.Instead,themountingproliferationofsubjectseachyearmaylandus intoamorassofadhocism.Itmayalsoconfuseusaboutprioritiesandgoals.Itis,therefore,importantthatweholdontoacommonvisionwithclarityofthoughtandadistinctperceptionofthegoalswesetoutforourpeople.

Inreality,thiswouldcometodraftingsomethinglikeaperiodicplanfollowedbyanintegratedprogrammeofaction.Aclearpictureofthisnaturewillbringtogethernotonlydifferentstrandsofthoughtsorsubjectsintoacompositewhole but will also serve to reflect upon our total vision for the future.Besides,theagreedplanwillhavetobecoordinatedwithandintegratedintoourrespectivenationalplans.Onceendorsed,thisdocumentwillalsoprovidetheSAARCSecretariatwithsomethingsubstantialtocoordinate,tomonitorandtofollow-upurgingourrespectivegovernmentsforsteadyandcommonendeavors.

Mr.Chairman,thisaugustgatheringwillagreewithmethatourdeedsmustmatchourwords.Intheend,itistheresultthatcountsfarmorethanwordsorseminars.Surely,wecannottalktallandthendeliversolittle.Weliveinaregionwherewantandpoverty,dearthanddestitutionarecommon.Thereisnodoubtthatthesesocio-economicrealtiesmakeheavydemandonus.Theproblemsofpovertyandpopulationgrowthcryoutforsolutionsthatarefarmorecomplex,difficultandtime–consumingthanwewouldimagineatfirst.ThisyearSouthAsiafacedseverefloodanddroughttowhichwecannotturnablindeye.Whileourheartsgooutinsympathyforthosewhosufferedlossesin lifeandproperty,weshouldexplore the reason for thesesufferingsandcomeoutwithenduringsolutions.

Eachyearduringthesummertheseas inourneighbourhood inSouthAsiasendtheirmonsooncloudstowardstheHimalayas.Theycooloff,precipitate,supplyandmakeprovision forwaterwhich is thesourceofsustenance forthemillionsofpeopleinourregion.Theirfailurecausesdrought.Theirfurycausesflood.Precisely,thisiswhathappenedthisyear.Foryears,weinNepalhavebeenconsistentlystressingtheneedforacomprehensiveplantotackletheproblemthroughacommonendeavor,maximizingthebenefitsthroughtheoptimaluseofthis,themostimportantofournaturalresourcesinthispart of our region. Thetimehas therefore come for us to see the light ofrealityandthinkintermsofbroaderinterest.

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Despitemanytantalizingproblems,unitedwehold incommononefifthofhumanity.Butputtogetherwealsoshareamongourselvesthemostfertileofnaturalendowments-richsoilandabundantlyrichwater.Itistheirproperusethatwillhelpourlandstogrowrichinfarmingandfishing,inenergyandindustries enablingourpeople tomove forward to fulfill their basic needsandfinddignity that is theirdue.Surely, therecouldbeotherareasworthexploring,fieldssuchastourismorexploitationofthesea-bedresourcesforcommonbenefit.LetusnotforgetthatNaturehasmadeusinter-dependentandthatweinconcert,canaccomplishandachievewhatwecannotdobygoingitalone.Inshort,weneedtocultivateandnurturethespiritofSAARCwhichisnootherthanthespiritofcooperation,thespiritofgiveandtake.

We all know for centuries the countries of South Asia have seen manydivisions and discords among themselves. Communal hatred fanaticismandmutualhostilitieshavetornoursocietiesapart;sometimeevencastingshadows over inter-state relations making the air distrustful and murky.Indeedevennowaswegatherheretotalkofpeaceandconcord,terroristmaybegunningdown innocentvictims.Conscious that terrorismcanposedangertopeaceandstability intheregion,wemustactivelyensurethat itreceivesnosupportorsanctuarywithinorwithout.Nepalisfirmlyopposedtotheideaofbalkanizationofstatesasshehasconsistentlyopposedallformsofoccupationofonecountrybyanother.

Mr.Chairman,fromthetoweringpeaksoftheHimalayastotheplacidwateroftheIndianOcean,thecountriesofSouthAsiaformacoherentgeographicalentity.Within this region, theearliestofhumancivilizationshavebloomedand blossomed. From the soil of Nepal alone rose the Philosopher King ofVideha,JanakandhisdaughterSita.FromLumbiniinMidwestNepalcametheBuddhawhocontinuestoinspirethemillionsacrossthelands.Theirmessageconstitutes a fitting basis for SAARC spirit of cooperation characterized bytemperance,alargervisionand,aboveall,afeelingforthegreatergoodofthegreatestnumber.Onceweareabletorousethisspiritamongallofus,peaceandprosperity,healthandhappinesswill run throughSouthAsia,adreamandavisionnurturedbyallmen,womenandchildrenofourregion,peoplewhomwehavethehonourandprivilegetorepresentatthisgathering.

Thankyou.

Statements of SAARC


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KingofNepal,FourthSAARCSummit,29-31Dec.1988,Islamabad,Pakistan

Madam ChairmanYour MajestyYour ExcellenciesDistinguished DelegatesLadies and Gentlemen

We gather here today in this magnificent city that blends beauty withproportion, harmonywith order. Set against the background of the rollinghills, plains and mountains, Islamabad looks to the future symbolizing thehopesandaspirationsofPakistanandherpeople.Nodoubt,itisarecentcitybutbehinditliesahistoryofoverfivethousandyearwheninvaderscameandwent,empiresroseandfellandcivilizationsblossomedandwitheredaway.

Overthismilleniaofhistorywealsonoticehowpeoplefromdifferentplacesdescended upon this part of South Asia through the formidable passes intheHindukushandtheHimalayas.Theyspokemanylanguagesandfolloweddifferent faiths.Attimes theirencounters led toconflicts followedbywarsleavingbehindatrailofruinanddestructiononacolossalscale.ButnosoonerhadtheybeguntosettledownmakingthislandtheirpermanenthomethanpeaceandprosperityreturnedenrichingthecultureandcivilizationofsouthAsia.

TousinNepal,Pakistanovertheyear,hascometomeangoodtaste,eleganceandrefinement,beitinmusicorlanguage,costumeorcuisine.IndeedinthemakingofourownlanguageandcultureinNepalmuchhasbeencontributedbythebeautyanddelicacyofthelanguageandculturethatinthepasthadbeendevelopedtoapointoffinesseinthispartofSouthAsia.Thereforeitonlygoes to showhowa situationofgiveand takecanhelp twodifferentpeoplestogainfromeachother.Themoresosincegeographyhasputusall

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togetherinthesameregionsharingthesameskies,thesamemountainsandthesameseas.

ItisthereforewithafeelingofclosetiesandwarmththatItakethisopportunityto congratulateyou.YourExcellencyBanazirBhutto,uponyourelectionastheChairmanoftheFourthSAARCsummit.WithyouwearingthemantleofleadershipIhaveeveryreasontohopethatwewillachievemuchinourmarchtowardsmutualcooperation.TothepeopleofPakistanIbringthegreetingsandgoodwishesoftheGovernmentandpeopleofNepal. Iwouldalsoliketo express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and generoushospitalityextendedtouseversinceourarrivaltothisCapitalcity.

WhenIlookbackupontheachievementsmadebyourAssociation,SAARC,since the Third SAARC Summit in Kathmandu I feel that, however modest,wehavetakensomesignificantsteps.IamhappytonotethattheRegionalConventiononsuppressionofTerrorismhasnowbeenratifiedbyallMemberStates.Wewish theConventiontocontributeasan important landmark intherelationsbetweencountriesofSouthAsia.Indeed,ifwefollowitinletterandspiritIhavenodoubtthatitwillpreventterrorismraisingitsuglyheadinourregion.ItsimportancebecomesthemoreclearwhenwelookbackuponhowinNovemberthisyearterrorists,totheshockanddismayofall,struckthefriendlyRepublicoftheMaldivesholdingthepeopleastheirhostagesinanattempttotoppleademocraticallyelectedGovernmentbyforce.NaturallywewereallequallyconcerneduntilIndiaunderPrimeMinisterRajivGandhiattherequestofPresidentGayoomcametoassisttheMaldives.

Theincident,howeversad,highlightsfurtherhowimportantitistocoordinateourapproachestotacklesimilarproblemsfromrecurringelsewhere.Theendconclusion with incident like this naturally raises the question of devisingwithin the framework of the Convention on Suppression of Terrorism anacceptablemechanismcapableofdealingwiththedestabilizationofafellowMemberStatebyterroristsandhiredassassins.AsforNepalwebelievethatoncewerefuse toaid,abetshelteror recognize terroristsandterrorism inanyformormanifestation,thisscourgeofourtimescanatleastberenderedineffectiveinourregion.

I am happy also to note that the Agreement establishing the SAARC FoodSecurity Reserve has now come into effect. In fact, only a fewdays ago itwashereinIslamabadthatthefirstmeetingofSAARCFoodSecurityBoardtookplace.Wefeelthat,howevermodest,animportantbeginningintherightdirectionhasbeenmadeinaregionsopronetofloodsanddroughts.WhenwethinkoftheordealsthefriendlypeopleofBangladeshhadtofacerepeatedlythisyearwecanrealizehowsignificantaReservelikethiscancometobeinthehourofneed.Ihopewewillbeabletocontinuetoimproveuponitaswemoveaheadtomeetthegrowingneedsinthefuture.

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ItisalsoworthnothingthattheIntegratedProgrammeofActionwillbefurtherconsolidatedalongthelinessuggestedbythethirdMeetingofPlannersheldlastmonthinkathmandu.IthasrecommendedthattheTechnicalCommitteesshouldselectonlywell-defined,time-boundandtarget-orientedprogrammesto ensure that the objectives are realized for the benefit of our people.Similarly the five areas of cooperation as agreed in Bangalore are now atdifferentstagesof implementation. Inshort,SAARCismovingprogressivelyahead.

Thisremindsme,however,ofabafflingproblemweeachface incommon.ItisanissuefromwhereIseenoescapeunlessoneresortsintoaworldoffancy.InourregionofSAARCeveryoneminutenearly70childrenareborn,everyonehourover4000childrenareaddedandattheendofeachdaythenumbergrowswellover100,000.Sadly,anumberofthemdieevenbeforetheyseethelightofthenextday.Demographers,notwithoutalarm,pointout that each year adds to a nearly 24 million people over and above theexistingpopulationofabillionpeoplethatalreadyovercrowdourland.

Thisexplosionofpopulationonanunprecedentedscaleposesathreatnolessseriousthanthefearofanuclearholocaust.Thereisnodoubtthatithasdeepand varied ramifications.A vast numberof thosewhoareborn gohungrysufferingfrommalnutrition.Manyofthembecomesickbutmanymoresufferfromwantofanopportunitytobeliterate.Buteventhosewitheducationfindithardtogetsuitableemployment.Asaresult,thepressureonlandgrows,forest resources get dwindled, the more so as encroachment increases inevergreaterscaleresultingindroughts,floods,erosionsandlandslides.Overandabovetheseincidences,strifesandconflictsinsocietygrowasmoreandmore people compete for the relatively lesser number of jobs. This bringsin its trail theproblemofspillovereffectsofpeoplewhomigrate legallyorillegallyinsearchofgreenpasturesheighteningthetensionsinsocietiesthattraditionallyhadenjoyedpeaceandrelativeprosperity.

SincetheplightofthepoorandthedestitutesinoursocietyisknowntoallofusIfeelIneedhardlydwellonitatlength.Nonethelessonethingseemscertain.Manyofthemlivebelowthelevelofabsolutepoverty. Indeedit istoaddresstotheneedsespeciallyofthisunfortunatesectioninoursocietythatwe inNepalhave launchedaprogrammetomeet thebasicneeds forallbeforethecloseofthecentury.Weknowitlookslikeamodestgoalbutit is justashardanddifficult toachieve in the faceofapopulationwhosenumbermultipliesmorethanourabilitytomatchtheneedforfood,clothing,shelter,education,healthandsecurity.Butinaworldwherepeopleproducemountainsofbreadandbutteralongwithgoodsandmachines,SouthAsiacannotandneednotstarve.Theprogrammeofminimumhumanneedsisamoralimperativefromwheretherecanbenoturningback.Itistruethatthe

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responsibilityoffulfillingsuchbasicneedslieswitheachindividualmembercountryconcernedbutregionalcooperationwithintheframeworkofSAARCcouldgoalongwaytocomplementthenationalefforts.

When we met last year in Kathmandu at the Third SAARC Summit wereaffirmed, among other things, that measures for expanding regionalcooperation shouldbeprogressively carriedoutwithinabroad frameworkofalong-termperspectiveandthatsuchcooperationshouldbeexpandedinconcreteareasinordertoensuremoretangiblebenefitsfromSAARCtothepeopleofour region.Asa follow-uponthat the thirdMeetingofPlannersagreedtoformulateabroadframeworkofalong-termperspectiveofregionalcooperationwithaclearvisionofastrategyofgrowthfortheregionasawhole.In linewithyetanotherdecisionof theThirdSummit theSAARCSecretaryGeneral has already initiated a study on the Causes and Consequences ofNaturalDisastersandtheProtectionandPreservationoftheEnvironment.

WhilewewaitfortheirrecommendationsIamremindedoftheproposalthatweonbehalfofNepalhaveconsistentlybeenmakingsinceameetingoftheColomboPlanConsultativeCommitteewasheldinKathmanduinDecember1977. Last year in Kathmandu we reiterated the same appeal seeking thegoodwill,supportandunderstandingofallthecountries intheregion.Andfrom this rostrum, once again, we wish to declare that Nepal is willing tocooperate in any venture for themultipurpose development of her waterresourcesbilaterally,trilaterallyormultilaterallyforthemutualbenefitofthepeopleintheregion.IwishalsotoaddthatNepaliswillingtocooperateinwhateverwayshecanwithinhercompetencetotackletheproblemofriseinthesealevel.

Itseemstomethateveryagecallsuponitsleaderstopayheedtothedemandsitmakesonthem.Therewasatime, forexample,whenmanycountries inAsia,AfricaandLatinAmericasoughtfreedomfromtheclutchesofforeigndomination. In continuation, recent events in countries not far from ourbordersunequivocallypointoutthatnomatterwhattheoddsareagainstapeople,nocountrycanindeedbecoercedintosubmission.Onewondersifthetimehasnotreallycomewheneachcountryshouldcometotermswithoneanotherinpeace,harmonyandamitywithaviewtoachievethenewfrontiersofcooperationinaspiritofgiveandtakedespitedifferencesordivergencesofviewsinthisdayandage.Ifeelthatunlessweareabletoovercometheinhibitionsweeachhave inheritedfromourpastwewillnotreallybeableto forgenewbondsandnew relationshipswhich thetimesdemandofus.MayIconcludeinthehopethatthisSummitwhichreflectstheconscienceoftheentirepeopleofthisregionwillfurtherthecauseofpeace,goodwillandcooperationinSouthAsiawithasecuredidentityandjusticeforall.

Thankyou.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Krishna Prasad Bhattarai

PrimeMinisterofNepal,FifthSAARCSummit,21-23Nov.1990,Malé,Maldives

Mr. Chairman

Your Majesty, Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen

I amveryglad that I amoneof thosenewcomershere in this conferenceto speak something and time has been given tome for it. The refreshingremarksthattheIndianPrimeMinisterhasmadeduringhisspeechissuchthatitdemandsfurtherthinkingandIwouldthereforesaythatSAARCshouldbealittlemoreactionorientedinsteadofindulgingsomuchinformalitiesitshouldberatheralittlemoreactionoriented,alittlemoreeconomicmindedandprogramsshouldbetherewhichwouldgoalongwaytohelpus,alltheSAARCcountriesandIthinkthatit ishightimenowthatwetakeupwhichwehadshunnedsofarbecauseofthefearandperhapsfounditfearthatitmayharmtheorganization itself thatbilateralmatters shouldnotbeatalltouchedupon.IthinkMr.ChandraShekhar,thenewP.M.hassetatonethatwecantouchthismatteralsonowtosomeextentsothatitmaynotharmtheorganization.

Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to associate myself with mycolleaguesincongratulatingyouMr.ChairmanonyourwelldeservedelectionastheChairmanofourAssociation.You,Mr.Chairman,personallyandyourcountry in general have made enthusiastic and significant contribution topromotingandstrengtheningitsnoblecausesandprinciples.Whilecordiallycongratulatingyou,Iwishalsotoaddthatwehavebeendeeplytouchedbythewarmandthoughtfulhospitalitytowhichwehavebeentreatedsinceourarrivalhere.Onbehalfofmydelegationandmyself, I takethisoccasiontoexpressmygratefulthanks.IftheflightfromthesnowyHimalayastothebluerollingwatersoftheIndianOceanhasbeenexciting,thearrivalitselfinthe

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Maldiveswithitsmagnificentseascapeanditsenterprisingpeoplehasbeen,personallyforme,averyveryrefreshingexperience.

I must pay a word of tribute to the Government of Pakistan in particularMohatrama Benazir Bhutto, Chairperson of the Fourth SAARC Summit, forhavingsuccessfully ledourAssociation foranunusualperiodof twoyears.Onecannothelprecallingtheexhilaratingatmosphereofyouthfuloptimismof the Islamabad Summit. It was an expression of common democraticaspirationsamongtheSAARCcountries.StrugglingthroughthefragilityofourAssociation,Pakistaniofficialsandparticularly, thetirelessForeignMinisterSahabzadaYaqubKhanhaveworkedhardandpatientlytokeepitirreversibleandsteadyinthecurrentstormsandstressesoftheregion.Iwishtorecordoursincereappreciationofthededicatedworktheyhavedone.

I wish also to extend my cordial welcome to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifof Pakistan who, like me, is leading his country’s delegation to a SAARCSummitforthefirsttime,althoughwerecallwithpleasurehisparticipationin the Kathmandu Summit three years ago as a member of the Pakistanidelegation.

Mysincerewelcomegoestomygoodpersonalfriendoflongstanding,ShriChandraShekhar,thenewPrimeMinisterofIndia,whosededicationtothecauseofthecommonpeopleandthepeaceandcooperation intheregioniswellknown.TheGovernmentof IndiaheadedbyShriVishwanathPratapSinghwasalsocategoricalinitssupportforSAARC.ImustpayourtributetoShriRajivGandhiwhotogetherwithotherfoundingfathersledournascentAssociation through four Summits. I cannot put recall the contributions offormerPresidentofSriLanka,J.R.Jayewardene,toourAssociation.

MayIwelcomePrimeMinisterWijetungeofSriLankawhoisalsoattendingtheSummitforthefirsttime.

I consider it our good fortune thatwe continue tobenefit from theactivecooperation, invaluable experience and sagacity of President HussianMuhammadErshadofBangladesh,HisMajestyKingJigmeSingyeWangchuckofBhutanandourgracioushostandChairman,PresidentMaumoonAbdulGayoomofMaldives.ToalltheparticipatingHeadsofStateorGovernmentofmember countriesand thedistinguisheddelegates, it ismyhonourandprivilege toconvey thegreetingsandbestwishesof theKingofNepal,HisMajestyKingBirendraBirBikramShahDev.

Mr. Chairman

IfeelitisnecessaryinthechangeddemocraticcontextofNepaltoreaffirmour faith in South Asian cooperation. Following a successful popular

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movement,weareworkinghardtowardsdemocraticstabilizationthroughanewconstitutionandearlygeneralelection.Evenwhenwewerestrugglingfor democratic rights in our country to which we continue to be pledgedalways and everywhere, we believed that the establishment of the SouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationisastepintherightdirection.TheAssociation is primarily addressed, I believe rightly, to pursuing economic,socialandculturalgoalsofcooperation.Eventhen,tobesuccessful,itwouldrequiremembercountries,ontheirownandstepbystep,tomovetowardsharmonization of larger political values which distinguish their societies.One must recognize that the dominant policy trend for the last severaldecades inSouthAsia inpolitical, economicandculturalmattershasbeenanexpensivequesteitherforprotectionistself-sufficiencyorfordivergenceforitsownsake.Acknowledgingasdesirablesuchdivergenceasreflectstheinherent differences of history, geography and objective over-all economicpossibility,webelieve thatwithin theexisting richdiversity themotivatingsentiment in the region should be cooperation, peace and convergenceandno longerconfrontation, frictionanddivergence,SAARC,developedasa community of sovereign states, could and should reconcile the opposingpulls of modernization and traditionalism. These pulls have reacted witheachothertostratifySouthAsiansocietiesatapointwhichisneitherstablenorprogressive.For this reason, I reaffirmourcommitment toSAARCasanecessaryanddesirableinitiativeforgettingoutofthisstalemate.

Mr. Chairman

Sincewemet in Islamabad two years ago, great political changes, bearingglobalimplicationsforgoverningideasandtraditionalinstitutions,havetakenplaceintheworld.Traditionalthinkinginpolitics,economicsandsecurityisunderstrain.TheSovietUnionwithwhat it callsnewthinking is strugglingtowardsanewpoliticalandeconomicequilibrium.EasternEuropehasbeenconvulsedwiththecollapseofcommunistpartiesandgovernments.GermanUnificationisnowarealityopeningupagreatvistaoftheunknownnotonlyforWesternandEasternEuropebutalsoperhapsfortheworld. It looksasthoughworldhistoryisstillmadeinEurope.Asaresult,superpowertensionhasdiminishedgreatly.IntheMiddleEastandelsewhere,too,thereareevensigns of cooperation. Progress in arms control and reduction, thought stillreflectingstrugglebetweenoldandnewthinking,isalreadyconsiderable.Butnucleararmswith their inevitable logicofproliferation still hoverover theheadofhumanity.North-Southdisparitycontinuestogrowwider.Inaddition,new economic challenges have come into being in the North itself in theaftermathofthesegreatpoliticalchanges.TheMiddleEaststandstodayas

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alitmustestbetweencontinuedimprovementintheinternationalsituationandanewsharpdeterioration.

Mr. Chairman

Imustapologizetoyouforthissomewhatlabouredexpositionofthecurrentinternationaldevelopments.MysubmissionisjustificationisthatSouthAsianisunlikelytoremainunaffectedbytheirpoliticalandeconomicconsequences.Individually we stand the real risks of being overwhelmed by theirconsequences.Butregionallywemaybeabletodobetterandconvertthechangesintoopportunities.ThiswouldarguethatSAARCshouldgetstrongerthanitisandthatweshouldtakeitmoreseriouslythanwehavedonesofar.ItisasombrereflectionthattheSAARCregionduringayearofsuchdecisivechangesontheworldscenebecamesooveroccupiedwithitsowninternalproblemsthateventheregularannual summitcouldnotbeheld.Noneoftheseproblemsis insurmountableincooperation.Thepresentmeeting,forthisreason,shouldreasserttheprimacyofourcommitmenttoSAARC.

Mr. Chairman

TheIntegratedProgrammeofActionwhichhasbeendevelopedovertheyearsunderSAARCforregionalcooperationwasadaptedforconfidencebuilding.Givenwideanddeepdistrustamongmembercountries,thatwasadmittedlythemostpracticalapproach.Amoreambitiousprogramme,evenwith thebestofintentions,couldbecounterproductive.ProgressandconsolidationofIPA,withinthedesignedlimits,givegroundsforsatisfaction.Participationatthenon-governmentallevelwhichhasbeenrightlyencouragedisconsiderablethough there isadangerof suchparticipations lapsing intomereexercisesiftheyonlyproliferateandfalloutofstepwithpoliticalcommitment.Non-governmental participation, too, builds up confidence among members.Somewhatdifferentbutnolessimportant,however,istheproposedRegionalConventiononDrugControlbecauseitenvisagescooperationnotmerelyatthelevelofconfidence,notmerelyatthelevelofspecificprojectsmarginallyrelevanttooverallpolicybutatthelevelofpolicyitself.Thisis,inmyopinion,which,whena substantialnumberof suchpoliciesare reconciled, likely tocauseabreak-throughinregionalcooperation.NepalisalreadytogoaheadwiththesigningoftheConvention.AnotherproposalawaitingthedecisionofourmeetingistheestablishmentofaSAARCRegionalFund.ThisFund,too,willrequireregionalcooperationforitsmanagementandproperuseatthelevelofnationalpolicy.Cooperationintrade,manufacturing,energyandserviceswhichhasbeenontheagendaforsometimewilladvancethesametrendto

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apointwhereitwillbeseentobeeffectivebythepeople.Nationalstudieson there important subjectsarenow indifferent stagesofmaturationandshouldbeexpeditedsothattheyareallreadyforcoordination.Inaddition,inter-sectoralcoordinationofallSAARCactivitieshasreceivedtheattentionofourAssociationforsometime.Wheneffective,itwillalsostrengthenthetrendtowardspolicycoordination. It ismybeliefthatdecisionswhichhavealreadybeenmadeandwhicharelikelytoinducecooperationatthepolicylevelshouldreceivepriorityovernewdisparatespecificprojects.

Mr. Chairman

Inconclusion,IwanttoassureYourExcellencyofthesupportandcooperationofmycountryinthedischargeofyourdutyastheChairmanofourAssociation.

Thankyouverymuch.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Girija Prasad Koirala

PrimeMinisterofNepal,SixthSAARCSummit,21stDec.1991,Colombo,SriLanka

Mr. ChairmanYour MajestyYour ExcellenciesDistinguished DelegatesLadies and Gentlemen

Allowme,first of all, to associatemyselfwithmydistinguished colleaguestowarmlycongratulateyou,Mr.Chairman,onyourunanimouselectionastheChairmanoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation.You,Mr.Chairman,andyourcountry,SriLanka,havemadesignificanteffortsfortheestablishmentofSAARC.Therefore,itisonlynaturalthatyouhavebeenchosentoheadtheAssociationatthismomentofhistorywhenourregionisfacedwithnewopportunitiesandchallenges.Mr.Chairman,IwouldalsoliketotakethisopportunitytoexpressmysincereappreciationforthewarmreceptionandgeneroushospitalityextendedtomeandothermembersofmydelegationbytheGovernmentandthepeopleofSriLanka.Weare indeedoverwhelmedbythewarmthoftheirfriendlyfeelingsandaffectionforwhichIamgrateful.

Mr.Chairman,mayItakethisopportunitytoexpressmywarmwelcometoHerExcellencyBegumKhaledaZia,PrimeMinisterofBangladesh,who,likeme,isparticipatinginthisSummitforthefirsttime.BegumZiahasthedistinctionofbeingwellknownforherexcellentleadershipqualitiesanddedicationtothevaluesofdemocracyandhumanrights.IwouldalsoliketoexpressmywarmwelcometoShriP.V.NarasimhaRao,whoisparticipatingasPrimeMinisterforthefirsttime.ShriNarasimhaRaoisnostrangertoourAssociation.Iamfullyconvincedthatourmeetingwillgreatlybenefit fromhismaturevisionandwisdom.Similarly,IfeelhonouredtosharethisforumwithHisMajestyKingJigmeSingyeWanchuckofBhutanandHisExcellencyMr.MohammadNawaz

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Sharif,PrimeMinisterofPakistan,whosevaluablecontributiontotheSAARCprocessisdeeplyappreciatedbyallofus.

Mr.Chairman,wealsooweadebtofgratitudetoouroutgoingChairman,HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom,thePresidentoftheMaldives,forhisguidanceandtirelesseffortstoinvestintoSAARCgreatersubstanceinthepursuitofitsavowedgoals.

Mr.Chairman,itwillbeamissonmypartifIfailtocomplimentHisExcellencyMr. K. K. Bhargava for his diligence and competence as our Association’sSecretaryGeneral.Heearnsourappreciationforthedistinctionwithwhichhehasservedhisofficeformorethantwoyears.Ialsotakethisopportunityto welcome the appointment of His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki,DeputyForeignMinisteroftheMaldivesbytheCouncilofMinistersasthenextSecretaryGeneralofSAARC.IwishtoassurehimoffullcooperationofmyGovernmentinthedischargeofhisduties.

Mr. Chairman, and Distinguished Delegates, I have brought with me fromthelandofGautamBuddha,theApostleofPeace,warmgreetingsandgoodwishesofthepeopleofNepaltoallofyou.AtthishourIalsofeelitincumbentto reiterate and reaffirm Nepal’s full commitment to the principles andpoliciesofSAARCandourresolvetoworktogetherforthecollectiveinterestandbenefitoftheSAARCmembersasawhole.

Mr.Chairman,atthismomentwhilewearegatheredheretodeliberateonSAARCactivities,mymindisnaturallydrawntothetragicandgrievouslosssustainedbyIndiaandtheregion,inthedeathofShriRajivGandhi,theformerPrimeMinisterofIndia,atthehandofanassassininMaythisyear.ShriRajivGandhiwasayoungandcharismaticleaderandwaslongassociatedwiththeevolutionandshapingofSAARC.Onbehalfofmydelegationaswellasonmyown,Ipaysinceretributetothememoryofthedepartedsoul.

Mr.Chairman,muchhashappenedbothintheregionalcanvasaswellasintheworldsincewemetlastinMaléin1990.ThespectrumofEast-Westrelationswhichhadbeencharacterizedbyalonglegacyofcoldwarnowappearstobeaneventofthepast.Thedismantlingofideologicalbarriershasunfoldedanewsituationfraughtwithpromisesofpeace,tranquilityandharmony.Thetriumphof liberaldemocracyandreassertionoffundamentalhumanrightscharacterizethedominanttrend.

InthelastSummit,mydistinguishedpredecessorhadmentionedaboutthesuccessfulmassmovementinNepalandtheeffortsbeingmadeforstabilizingdemocracy in the country. Today, I am pleased to state here that Nepal’stransitiontodemocracywassmoothandimpressive.

TheMay1991electioninNepalhasdemonstratedourloveforfreedomanddemocracy,while,atthesametime,makingusmoreresponsiveandsensitive

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to the rising aspirations of the people. Unless we address the economicproblemsofourpeopleandalleviatetheirmiseries,thenascentdemocracycouldbeendangered.This,Ithink,isacommonproblemforothercountriestoointhesimilarstateofdemocratictransition.

Mr.Chairman,Ihaveventuredtoraisethisissuejusttoremindourselvesthatwehaveacommondestiny.Thespiritofcooperationandcomplementaritywouldhavetobe inculcatedthroughvariouswaysunderlined innumerousSAARCexercises.IsincerelyhopethatSAARCwouldbeusedasaninstrumentofpeace,stability,progressandprosperity,inadditiontogivingagreaterthrustfor institutionalizing democracies in the region. And only by strengtheningtheseinstitutions,leadersimbibedwithconfidence,visionanddeterminationcanemergeandcontributetothespiritofregionalcooperation.

Let me also point out that a few new initiatives to be taken by us todaywould be in harmony with the emerging global trends which are likely toshape the world order both in the economic and political sense. Today’sinternational order is becoming more cooperative with the resolution ofdeep-rootedconflicts,andrelianceongreaterinterdependence.Thisrealityhasgivenaddedimpetustothecontinuingrelevanceofregionalcooperation.Asthenewinternationalorderisbeingarrangedwithnewperspectiveanddirections, there isno reasonwhy the countriesof SouthAsia cannot freethemselvesfromtheirpastprejudices.Nationallymostcountriesoftheregionhaveadopteddemocracywhichmakethegovernmentmoreaccountableandsensitivetothepeople.Thesecurityperceptionsoftheregionalstatesshouldalsoundergoa change in viewof the less conflict-prone strategic relationsenvisagedbySAARC.

Mr.Chairman, theSAARCprocesshasalsotostrikeabalancebetweentheexpandingeconomicinteractionsofsomebigMemberCountriesandthelessdevelopedones.Thoughboththeproductionplanningandmarketplanningareentirelydependentona country’snationaldecision, SAARCasagroupcanworkonthisagendaformutualbenefits.Thecurrentlevelofeconomicrelationswithin the region does not create conditions for greater regionalcooperationgiving rise todoubtsabout theprospectsofSAARC itself.Onecannot,however,underestimatetheprogressmadeover the last tenyearsorso,becausetheSAARCforumhasbroughtustogetherhereinColombotodiscusssomeburningissuesfacingtheregion.Yetformakinganydecisionasuccess,courageandpoliticalwillofSAARCmembersbecomeparamount.

IstronglyfeelthatthecurrentinternationalsituationshouldencourageusfortakingnewinitiativesfortheevolutionofSAARC.Sinceweshareacommoncivilization our task ahead should be less difficult. The Colombo Summit, Ibelieve, would go a long way towards representing some humble effortsin reinvigorating our enthusiasm and hopes for the evolution of SAARC. If

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democracyandhumanfreedomsarethecurrentthemesoftheworldtoday,relations based on cooperation and friendship are likely to constitute yetanotherwaveofregionalization.

Mr.Chairman,Ibelieveweshallbeabletocopewiththenewsituationifwedevelopacompetitiveedgeinareaswherewepossessnaturaladvantages.Thebestwayofaccomplishingit,tomymind,isthroughinstitutionalizationof intra-SAARCcooperation incoreeconomicareas.TheRegionalStudyonTrade, Manufactures and Services and the measures recommended by thecommittee on Economic Cooperation in relation to the study, deserve ourseriousconsideration. Idohopethattherecommendedtradeliberalizationpolicy with appropriate safeguards for special interests of economicallyweakerpartners,will inevitablypromoteoureconomies,andthecountriesin the regionwill collectively reap benefit from such trade expansion. TheAssociationisthuspoisedtoenterintoanewanddynamicphasewithitsmovetowardssuchcoreareasastrade,manufactures,servicesandenvironment.

Mr.Chairman,wemustrecognisethatthedegradationoftheenvironmenthasbecomeamatterofglobalconcerntoday.Thegreenhouseeffect,depletionofforestsandsoilerosionresulting intheecologicaldistortionwarrantoururgentattention.Itisnowbeingincreasinglyrealisedthatitisthemanwhoisendangeringnaturethroughhisownthoughtlessactions.Whileitispovertywhichcausesdegradationoftheenvironmentinthedevelopingcountries,inthedevelopedcountriesitisuncheckedaffluencewhichislargelyresponsiblefor ecological problems. I hope that the proposed Study of GreenhouseEffectandits ImpactontheRegionwillstrengthenourhands incombatingthe environmental problems confronting the region. In this context, it ishearteningtonotethat1992hasbeendesignatedastheSAARCYearoftheEnvironment.

Lastly,Mr.Chairman,whileIstandbeforethisaugustgathering,Icannotlosesightofthefactthawetogetherrepresentmorethanone-fifthofhumanity,themajorityofwhichiseconomicallypoorandunder-privileged.Unlesswefocusourattentionontheirplightandchannelizeresourcestoimprovethequalityoftheirlives,wewillhavefailedinourgoals.Nepalwould,therefore,liketoseeconcreteandcoordinatedprogrammesforthealleviationofpovertyaccordedhighestpriorityintheframeworkofourregionalcooperativeefforts.Thisisbynomeansaneasytaskbutourresolvetoworkinunisonbasedonrealisationofoursharedinterestswillundoubtedlymakethetaskeasier.

BeforeIleave,Iwillliketostateafewwords-onlyonesentencebecausethatisthethemeofreligion-everyreligion.ThethemeisandIquoteit“Lovethyneighbour”.

ThankYou.

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PrimeMinisterofNepal,SeventhSAARCSummit,10-11April1993,Dhaka,Bangladesh

Madam ChairpersonYour MajestyYour Excellencies Distinguished DelegatesLadies and Gentlemen

It is indeed a pleasure for me to be invited to take part at the SeventhSAARC Summit in this historic city of Dhaka. This great city was the homeof theSAARC initiativeandyou,Madam, if Imayrecall,wereclose to thatevent.ItisonlyappropriatethatwestartoursecondroundwithDhaka.MayI congratulateyou,Madam,onyourwell-deservedelectionasChairpersonofourAssociationfortheyear.IbelieveyourprofoundcommitmenttothecauseofSAARCwillstandusingoodsteadinfurtheradvancingandachievingourcommonobjectives.Iassureyouofmyfullcooperation.IalsotakethisopportunitytoexpressmysincerethankstotheGovernmentandpeopleofBangladesh for the warm feelings of friendship with which we have beenreceivedandliberalhospitalitythathasbeenaccordedtous.

BeforeIproceed,IwishtoaddmyspecialwordinappreciationofouroutgoingChairman,HisExcellencyPresidentRanasinghePremadasa,whoprovidedourAssociationwith his enthusiastic and dedicated leadership during the pastyear.Wehavebenefitedfromhiswisdomandseveralinitiatives.

Madam Chairperson

ThisSeventhSummitinDhakamarksthebeginningofthesecondcycleofourexchangesandcooperativeendeavours.Theoccasioncallsforareviewoftheprogresswehavemadesofarandalsoforsomefreshlookintothefuture.

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Madam

Itisamatterofsatisfactionthatourassociationhaswithstoodwideskepticismthat preceded and accompanied its establishment. It has overcome manyobstaclesthatstoodinitsway.Ithasassertedandre-asserteditselfthroughvicissitudesoffortune. Ithasacquiredanelementof irreversibility.Buttherecenteventsinthesubcontinentwhichnecessitatedthepostponementofthis annual sessionwarnus that this irreversibility is fragile. Confidence inthefutureofourAssociationisunderstrainintheprevailingclimateoffearand suspicion. Remedy, in my opinion, is not retreat which we must avoidbutarenewedcommitmenttotheSAARCidealandobjectivesinthewiderpolitico-economiccontext.SAARCshouldbecomeawayoflifeandthoughtinSouthAsia.ASouthAsianregionalidentitywhichhasbeenbuiltonoursteadyeffortsofcooperationforoversevenyearsandwhichhasinvitedincreasinginternational interest is slowly emerging. SAARC reflects awareness of theinternationaleconomicenvironmentwithregardtobotheconomiclawsandtrendsandrecognizesthehardfactofinterdependenceinthemodernworld.Aboveall,apromisinghighforumfunctionstodayasapartofourpoliticalandeconomiclifewhereeconomicissuesformallyandpoliticalissuesinformallycanbediscussedintheinterestofpeaceandprogressintheregion.Resultsinouropinion,thoughnotspectacular,havebeenconsiderableandsuggestthatatthepresentmomentofapparentdrifttheSAARCspiritisevenmorenecessary.Reformsintheprocedurethatwehaverecentlyintroducedshouldimpart seriousness in our functioning. Amore businesslike and functionalapproachinourtransactionshasbeenadoptedaimedatexpeditingourwork.Overallimpactonourworkwouldbeacceleratedwithtimelyrenewalofourunequivocalcommitmenttotheidealofregionalcooperation.

Madam Chairperson

Westartedwithmodestareasofcooperationdesignedmoreforconfidence-buildingthanambitiouscooperativeundertaking.GiventheoverallcomplexityoftheSouthAsiansituation,noothercoursewaspracticaltous.TheIntegratedProgrammeofActionembodiedthismodestapproachwhenitstarted.TheProgrammehasexpandedovertheyearstocovermoreareasofoursocialandeconomic life.Todaythefieldofcooperationencompassesagriculture,education,health,transportandcommunication.

In most of the areas so covered satisfactory progress has been reported.Further, it has been recognized by the Association that building up theedifice of regional cooperation, brick by brick, from below is a necessarybut not a sufficient approach. So our Association ismoving now into core

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major economic areas involving policy changes. These areas include tradeliberalization,mobilizationofregionalandextra-regionalresources,povertyalleviationandenvironment.

Madam Chairperson

Themost importantmeasureof SouthAsianCooperation is thevolumeofregional trade. Trade operates not on subsidies nor on charity but on thehard laws of economics. This demands both meaningful competition andmeaningful cooperation. In this perspective the state of regional trade atthemoment is far from satisfactory. In these circumstances, it is amatterof satisfaction that this subject has engaged the serious attention of ourAssociation.AdraftagreementonSAARCpreferential tradingarrangementwhich addresses this question and envisages a time-bound progress ofexchange of trade concessions is ready before us. Members of the groupwhoworkedoutsuchafinedocumentdeserveourappreciation.ExpeditiousadoptionandratificationofthisdraftbyMemberStateswouldinitiateaneweraofgreaterregionalengagementonthisimportantsubject.

Madam Chairperson

SAARCwas not conceived as a substitute for hard national effort. On thecontrary,itpresupposesevenmorecommittedeffortsonthepartofMemberCountries.Our ownpolitical experience tells us that nomember statewillbe helped regionally or internationally unless it helps itself. In terms ofcooperation and values underlying it politics and economics go together.ForthereasontheSAARCFundforRegionalProjectswasbasedoninternalregionalresources.Itspurposewastocarryoutfeasibilitystudiesofpromisingprojects.Itmeasuresupourearnestness.ItisourviewthattheFundshouldcontinuetoholdpriorityinourattention.TwootherFundswithwideraimshavealsobeenproposedandareatdifferentstagesofmaturationbut theprogressmadesofarisfarfromadequate.Thesubjectneedstobepursuedbecause South Asia’s development requires more than regional resources.Poverty alleviation is an activitywhich is intimately linkedwith the use ofregional resources.Attackonpoverty constitutes the central themeofourEighth Plan which has recently been embarked. In this Plan we have triedto keep the people at the centre of our attentionwith a priority on ruraldevelopmentincludingdrinkingwater,education,housingandbasichealth.SouthAsiahasnogreaterresourcethanitspeopleinwhomitaboundsandto whom development is addressed. Besides, our Eighth Plan is informedby awareness that Nepal’s hydro-electric potential is nationally vital andregionallysignificant.Asall theMemberCountrieshavepovertyalleviation

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programmesoftheirown,webelievethereispromisingscopeforsharingofideas,experiencesandtechniquesinacooperativemanner.

Madam Chairperson

Populationcontrol isoneareawhereadequateattentiondoesnotseemtohavebeenfocusedonaregionalbasis.Inmostcountriesoftheregionagreaterpartofoureffortsondevelopmentisnegatedduetoahighrateofpopulationgrowth.Thereis,therefore,aneedforgreaterdegreeofcooperationamongusinthefieldofpopulationactivities.

Madam Chairperson

It is often said that child shows the man as morning shows the day. Butthe condition of children in South Asia is very unsatisfactory. Abuses andexploitationsarecommon.Occasionswhereachildisobligedtodoanadult’sfull job are disturbingly too numerous. Nepal has acceded to the UnitedNations Convention on the Rights of the Child. But much practical workremainstobedone.InthiscontexttheMinisterialConferenceonChildreninSouthAsiaheldinColombolastSeptemberwasawelcomedevelopment.Itshouldimpartimpetustooureffortstoaddressissuesaffectingchildren.

Madam Chairperson

Threat toenvironment is agrowing international concern. It is amatterofequalconcerntousinSouthAsia.ThiswideconcernwasrecentlyexpressedattheUnitedNationsConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopmentheldatRio inBrazil.Decisionsmadethereneedtobepursuedandalsoadvanced.Developing countries have reason to be reassured that the internationalcommunitynolongerregardsenvironmentanddevelopmentasexclusiveofeachotherbutbelievesthatbothcanbepursuedtogether.

Madam Chairperson

SAARC is a sufficiently focused regional undertaking, more practical thanemotional.Ithasbeenwidelyacceptedandlookeduptowithexpectationsbythepeople.Streamsofculturalandprofessionalteamshavebeenexchangedin growing number. SAARC legislators have recently adopted a charter oftheir own. While all this is welcome and encouraging, we should ensurenevertheless that the basic focus of practical economic cooperation is notobscuredinemotionandeuphoria.

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Madam Chairperson

When SAARCwas founded theworld situationwas very different. Nationsweredivided into ideologies and militaryblocs. TheCold Warwason. Theproblems of developing countries lay simmering under the dominatingclimateofmortalconfrontation.Todaywith theendof theColdWarthereisnotonlyawelcomeloweringofinternationaltensionbutalso,positively,anewawakeningtovaluesoffreedom,justice,humanrightsanddemocracy.Our region’s destiny ismore in thehandsof the region itself. But regionaltensions all over the world have stepped up. We have a world now withreducedsuperpower tensionbut increased regional tensions. SouthAsia isnoexception in thispattern,butunderlying itall there isawelcometrendpolitically inthisregiontowardsavisionofsocietyunfoldedbydemocraticvalues.Itisnotuniformbutunmistakable.Economically,MemberCountriesarecurrentlyengagedinradicalrestructuringandreadjustmentoftheireconomicpoliciesandinstitutions.Thereismorecompatibilitynowinbasiceconomicphilosophy.AsharedsystemofpoliticalandeconomicvaluesessentialtotheevolutionofSouthAsiancommunityseemsinsight.Thisshouldbematterofhope.Ofcourse,thereareuncertainties.ThemostimmediateuncertaintyinmostMemberStatesindividuallyandintheregioncollectivelyisthecurrentstateofunrestandheightenedtension.Whilevaluesarebeingrecognizedasuniversal,selectiveuseofsuchvaluesforpoliticalpurposesremains.

Madam Chairperson

The dominant contradiction in the international economic system is thetheorymarket-orientedfreetradeandenterpriseandthepracticeofovertordisguisedprotectionism.Complex issuesofdevelopmenthavenotreceivedtheattentiontheydeserve.ItishighlydesirablethatSAARCadjustsitsownperceptionofthefutureinrecognitionofthesechangesandofthefactthatthepost-ColdWarSouthAsiaisfreerandlessexternallyincumberedtoshapeitsowndestiny.

ThankYou.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Man Mohan Adhikari

PrimeMinisterofNepal,EighthSAARCSummit,2-4May1995,NewDelhi,India

Mr. ChairmanYour MajestyExcellenciesLadies and Gentlemen

Firstofall,Ibeginbyextendingmywarmfelicitationsandthatofmydelegationtoyou,PrimeMinisterP.V.NarasimhaRaooftheRepublicofIndia,onYourExcellency’sunanimouselectionasChairman.

I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to precedingchairpersonMadamKhaledaZiaofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladeshforherablestewardshipofSAARC.

ItiswithgreatpleasurethatItakethisopportunitytoexpressmydelegation’ssincereappreciationtoYourExcellency,thefriendlyGovernmentandpeopleofIndiaforthewarmwelcomeandgeneroushospitalityextendedtoussinceourarrivalinNewDelhi.Wealsogreatlyappreciatetheexcellentarrangementmadeforthismeeting.

IalsohavethepleasuretoexpressmyappreciationtotheSecretaryGeneralof SAARC, His Excellency Mr. Yadav Kant Silwal, for his dedication to theobjectives,principlesandactivitiesofSAARC.HisableDirectorsandstaffalsodeserveourcommendation.

Mr.Chairman,peaceanddevelopmentaretwoessentialgoalsofallstates.The adoption of SAARC Charter and the Dhaka Declaration have beeninstrumental in achieving these twin goals. This has come while searchingfornewdevelopmentstrategiesforSouthAsianRegion.AndeversincetheinceptionoftheSAARCithasgainedafastmomentuminaveryshortspanoftime.Thishascreatedanewpowerequationintheregionandpavedtheway

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for regional cooperation.Cooperationbasedon theprinciplesof sovereignequality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference ininternal affairs of the other states and mutual benefit provides the fairguidelinesforresolvingnewchallenges.

Mr.Chairman,inthepastdecadeswehaveseentheprocessofdecolonizationandemancipationofcolonizedanddependentcountries.ColdWarhascalmeddown.AkindofSocialistpatternandpracticesofgovernmentcollapsedinEastEuropeancountries.Thereisagreatbreak-upoftheSovietSocialistRepublic.NotonlythatbutwehavealsowitnessedtheendoftheapartheidregimeinSouthAfricaandwecanseeandhopeforthelastingpeaceinMiddleEast.

With these major political upheavals at the geopolitical level we can seethemanifestation of globalization specially on economic and social fields.Scientificandtechnologicaladvancesarethebasisofthemanifestationsofglobalization.Butevenatthistimeofglobalizationwefindtheutmostnecessityofregionalcooperation.Wetakeregionalcooperationascomplementaryandinterdependingratherthancontradictorytoglobalization.Therefore,therolewecanplayasregionalpersonalitytotheglobalpeaceanddevelopmentisselfexplanatory.

DuringthelasttenyearsSAARChasbuiltinfrastructureonallconcernedfieldsofregionalcooperation,especiallyoneconomic,socialandculturalsectors.Extensivestudieshavebeenundertakenonpossibilityofcooperationinareassuchasagriculture,ruraldevelopment,telecommunication,meteorologyandhealthandpopulationactivitiesandotherthreeadditionalareasofTransport,Postal Services and Scientific and Technological Cooperation. Cultural andEducational Exchange Programme, Regional Convention on Suppression ofTerrorismandestablishmentoftheSAARCFoodSecurityReservearehighlynoteworthy.Nowthetimehascometogointofullfledgedactionforwhichour Secretariat, Council of Ministers and various committees be directedaccordingly.

For this, SAARC Headquarters at Kathmandu must also be strengthened,equippedandmodernizedaccordingtothetuneofthetime.

InexpandingouractivitiesitwouldbebettertoaccountforpositiveexperiencesfromalreadyestablishedregionalinstitutionsliketheEU,ASEAN,NAFTAetc.Tomaintaingoodrelationshipandfrequentinteractionswithsuchinstitutionswouldofgreathelp.

Mr. Chairman, as peace is very much important for development similarly,development is also important to keep peace. Therefore, economy plays a

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dominant role almost on every issue of this economic world. To promote,sustainanddevelopcooperation,trade,industryandcommerce,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentoftheMemberCountriesattheSixthSAARCSummitheldinColomboinDecember1991consentedtotheliberalizationoftradeforsharingthebenefitsoftradeexpansionequitably.Headingtowardsthisconcept SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) has beenmade.SAPTAwouldbethefirstmajorstepforacceleratingthepaceof tradeandeconomiccooperationintheregion.Thiswillalsogiveimpetustopromoteintra-regionaltrade.

The provision to take appropriate steps and measures for developing andimproving communication system, transport infrastructure and transitfacilities isvitalforgrowthoftradewithinandoutsidetheregion.Byusingtheprovisionofspecialtreatmentfortheleastdevelopedcountriestheycanhave special benefit over and abovemutual benefit of reciprocity.We, onoursidetherefore,arefirmlycommittedtothisSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement (SAPTA).Mr. Chairman,wewould like to see this agreementcomeintoforceassoonaspossibleaftertheratificationbythecontractingstates.

Besidesliberalizationoftrade,SAARCmayreasonablylookforharnessingandexploiting the vast resourcesof the region formutual benefit. Byproperlyexploitingwater resources Nepal can contribute a lot to the developmentof the whole region. We believe that the increasingly unequal economicprogress arises out of faulty system not out of any scarcity of natural andhumanresources.

Mr. ChairmanYour MajestyExcellenciesLadies and Gentlemen

Toconclude,ontheoccasionofthetenthyearofSAARC,Iwouldliketotakethis opportunity to express my feelings that SAARC should move to facevarious challenges ahead, go beyond economics and create opportunitytodiscussbilateral andpolitical issues also. Periodic contactsbetween theHeadsofStateorGovernmentcanmakeanhonestefforttoovercomepastprejudicesandenhancepeaceintheregion.Nepalhonestlyoffersanykindofservicestosuchpiousaim.

ThankYou.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Lokendra Bahadur Chand

PrimeMinisterofNepal,NinthSAARCSummit,12-14May1997,Malé,Maldives

Mr. Chairman Your MajestyExcellenciesDistinguished DelegatesLadies and Gentlemen

ForapersonlikemefromacountryintheHimalayas,it isapleasuretobeinabeautifulcountrylikethemaldiveslyingonthedeepIndianOcean.IamhappytobehereandextendourheartycongratulationsontheassumptionbyYourExcellency,Mr.President,ofthechairmanshipofourAssociation.Youare, Mr. President, one of the founding leaders of SAARC and have a clearperceptionofthevisionthatledtothefoundingofourAssociation.Youhavepursuedcloselyitsachievementsanddealtwithitsshortcomingsinthelastelevenyears.Youarealsowellacquaintedwiththeproblemsandchallengesfacingus.Yourinauguraladdresshas,whilereaffirmingthecommitmentoftheMaldivestotheprocessofregionalcooperationinSouthAsia,alsomadethetaskbeforethismeetingclear.Weareconfidentthatunderyourwiseandableleadership,SAARCwillmoveforwardinacollectiveendeavourtobringchangesforthebetterinthelivesofourpeoples.

Mydelegationjoinsmeinexpressingourappreciationforthewarmwelcomeand generous hospitality extended to us by the friendly Government andpeopleofthisbeautifulcountry.Wegreatlyappreciatethemeticulouscarethathasgoneintothepreparationforthismeeting.

I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to express our sincere thanks toour outing Chairman, His Excellency, the Prime Minister of India, for theable leadership provided to SAARC during the important occasion of the

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Association’sentryintotheseconddecade.MayIalsotakethisopportunitytoextendheartywelcometotheirExcellenciesPrimeMinistersofBangladesh,India,andPakistanamongstuswhoseassociation inSAARC iswell known.I am confident that their farsighted vision,wisdomand statesmanshipwillmakeinvaluablecontributionforthecauseofSAARC.

The dedication with which the Secretary General of our Association, Mr.Naeem U.Hasan has placed himself at the service of the Association hasearnedourwarmregardsandappreciation.

Mr.Chairman, thecountriesofSouthAsiasharecommonalitiesthatgive itadistinctidentity.Wehave,toagreatextent,verysimilarproblemsofandchallenges to development. Our resource endowments are amenable toharnessing through regional cooperative ventures. And yet,we have beenrather late in taking up regional cooperation in a structuredmanner. Likeallsimilarlyplacedregions,SouthAsiahasitsshareofcontentiousissuesininterstaterelations.Fordecades,weallowedourselvestobemisledbytheassumptionthatcontentionwastheonlysouthAsianreality.Fordecades,wekeptoureyesclosedtotheotherequallycompellingimperativeofcooperationinsortingourmostofthecontentiousissuesininterstaterelations.RealizingthishasbeenanimportantachievementofSAARC.

Mr. Chairman, the perseverance of the people of South Asia with SAARC,despiteitsunsteadyprogressinthefirstdecade,speaksoftheirdeterminationto clarifymisunderstandings and resolve doubts and of their aspiration todevelopa foundation for realisticandpractical cooperationat the regionallevel.Wearenow receiving somebenefits from thatperseverance. SAARChasstartedtoaddresscoreeconomicissues.WiththeoperationalizationoftheSouthAsianPreferentialTradingArrangement,wehavesetahighergoal.Wehave agreed that full andtimely realizationof thebenefits of SAARC’seconomiccooperationrequiresaneventualprogressiontoafreetradearea.We have set a time-frame for the establishment of a free trade area. ThemechanismswehavesetuptoachievethattargetarewellinplacemakingmutualtradeconcessionsunderSAPTAwider,deeperandmeaningful.

Althoughtradeisveryimportant,itisonlyonecomponentofapossiblemutuallybeneficial regional cooperation. Other components include promotion ofinter-regional investment and establishment of joint ventures. The privatesectorhasanimportantroletoplayinthisendeavour.Itishearteningtonotethe increasing interestof theprivatesector inbringingaboutameaningfulregionaleconomicdevelopment.

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Mr. Chairman, while speaking about cooperation in core economic areas,wecannotremainindifferenttothefactofasymmetryintermsofresourcesandlevelsofdevelopmentamongourselves.Theleastdevelopedmembersof SAARC need particular attention in terms of regional investment forinfrastructure development. This alone can ensure a systematic pursuit ofbalanceddevelopmentforregionaleconomicgrowthandcreategrowthpolesin the leastdevelopedmember statesand the leastdeveloped region ofamemberstate.When they reachapointofeconomic take-off, theywillbeabletoparticipateinsustaininggrowthinthewholeregionandparticipatemeaningfullyinafreetradearrangement.ItisforthisreasonthatNepalhasadvocated sub-regional cooperation for specific projects within the largerframeworkofSAARC.

Mr.Chairman

Distinguished Delegates

SouthAsiaishometothelargestnumberofpeoplelivinginabsolutepovertyin intolerable conditions. Poverty cripples human creativity and engendersstrife and destabilization. SAARC has set a target to eradicate poverty,preferablybytheyear2002,andhasagreedonapro-pooragendaandplanofactiontoachievethatgoal.Wehavealsosetupamechanismforconsultationand coordination at the regional level. Solutions to themassiveproblemsofpoverty,malnutrition,unemploymentandothermanifestationsofsocio-economic disadvantages lies inanacceleratedeconomic development thattranscends national frontiers. The fight against poverty requires a clearobjective,coherentstrategy,andsteadfastnessinpursuit.Forthis,economicand social development programmes need to be conceived in terms of aprocesswhichenableshumanbeingstorealizetheirpotential.Itrequiresandvisionofdevelopmentthatcaninspireandmobilizepeople.Thevisionmustbecentredonthepeople.Ithastobeaparticipatoryprocesswhereinpeopleateachlevelofthecommunitymakedecisionsregardingprogrammesmeantto give thema life of dignity and fulfillment.Only sustained andbalancedeconomic growth which creates productive employment can effectivelyeradicatepoverty. Atthesametime,growthand increasingunevenness indistributionofincomeisnotsociallyviable.Thechallengeistofindwaysofsustainingeconomicgrowthwhichalsofostersimprovementindistributionofincomewithoutactingasadisincentivefortheproductivesector.Additionally,what is produced? How it is produced? At what social and environmentalcosts?Bywhomandforwhom?Alltheseareasimportantquestionsashighereconomicgrowth.

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SAARChasmovedbeyondtechnicalcooperationtosocialagenda. Povertyeradicationisourfirstandforemostgoal.Wehavealsobeenconcentratingonothervulnerablesectionsofourpopulations.Childwelfare,especiallythewelfareofthegirlchildinespeciallydifficultcircumstances,ishighoneourlistofpriorities.Likewise,makingwomenfullpartnersindevelopmentisanotherchallenginggoalwehavesetforourselves.Thenationalstrategiesforsocialsectors being pursued by member states in areas of health, mass literacy,maternalandchildprogrammes,andstatusofwomenneedtobeinterwovenwithregionalcooperationinthesevitalareasofconcern.

Mr. Chairman, along with evolving strategies for social development andpovertyeradication,wehavebeenworkingtogetheragainstdrugtraffickingand terrorism. In the two SAARC Conventions, we have a framework forcollaborations, we have a framework for collaboration in the fight againstthesetwinscourge.Completionofnationallegalformalitiesregardingthesetwo Conventionswill enable us to effectively carry out the obligationswehaveundertaken.

Mr. Chairman, under SAARC, we have initiated some actions to promotepeople-to-peoplecontacts.ThismeetingcouldasktheCouncilofMinisterstoundertakeathoroughreviewoftheachievementsthusfarandcomeupwithrecommendationstowidenandfacilitatethepeople-to-peoplecontacts.Withthetrendtowardsinter-regionaldealingsanddialogue,weneedtoaddmomentum toour search for closer cooperationwithother sister regionalorganizations. All this adds to theworkof theSAARCSecretariat, and theCouncilisalreadyconsideringwaysandmeanstostrengthentheSecretariatandmake itmoreeffective. Thishasassumedurgency in the lightofourwidening social agenda and by the move towards a fast track approach toeconomiccooperation.

Mr.Chairman,inSAARC,wehaveasoundmechanismforfrequentinteractionsat high political levels. This has contributed considerably to the growth ofmutualtrustandconfidence.Theresultingharmonyhashelpedustoembarkonsomeimportantandtangibleareasofcooperation.Wehavetobuildonthiswithanearnestnessofpurpose.Iamconvincedthatallsevenofusaredeterminedtogoforwardresolutely.IwouldliketoreaffirmthatNepalwillnotbefoundlackinginthiscollectiveendeavour.

Thankyou.

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PrimeMinisterofNepal,TenthSAARCSummit,29-31July1998,Colombo,SriLanka

Madam ChairpersonExcellenciesLadies and Gentlemen

IamhappytobehereinthisbeautifulcapitalcityofColomboforthesecondtime.Irecallwithpleasure,memoriesofmypreviousvisittothiscountrytoattendtheSixthSAARCSummitin1991.

SriLankaisanhonouredmemberoftheinternationalcommunitywithwell-knowncommitmenttotheidealsofNon-alignmentandtheUnitedNations.IthasmadesignificantcontributionstotheevolutionofSAARC.Ourmeetingin Colombo coincides with the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary ofIndependence of this friendly country. On this happy occasion, we greetyou,MadamePresident,andextendourbestwishesforpeace,progressandprosperityofSriLanka.

Allowmetoextendourwarmfelicitationstoyou,MadamPresident,onyourassumptionof theChairmanshipofourAssociation.Weareconfident thatunder your able leadership, the Association will make significant progresstowards achieving the fundamental goal of promoting the welfare of thepeopleofSouthAsiabyadvancingcooperationinthecoreareasofeconomy.

Iwish to take this opportunity toexpressour sincereappreciation to YourExcellency, and through you to the Government and people of Sri Lankafor the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to me and mydelegation ever since our arrival here. We are deeply impressed by theexcellentarrangementsmadeforourmeeting.

IalsotakethisopportunitytoplaceonrecordsoursincereappreciationtoHisExcellency the President of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Maumoon Abdul

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Gayoom, the outgoing Chairman, for successfully guiding the Associationduring the past one year. He is one of the founding leaders of SAARC andweholdhisdedicationtotheidealsandobjectivesoftheAssociationinhighesteem.

Mr. Naeem U. Hasan, Secretary General of the SAARC, has earned ourappreciationforthededicationandingenuitywithwhichhehasbeenservingtheAssociation.

Madam Chairperson

Globalization has not benefited all countries equally owing to lack oflevel playing field and technological gap between the rich and poor. Thetechnologicalrevolution ishavingaprofoundeffectonthenatureofworldeconomic activities. Knowledge intensive and information processes havebecome increasingly important indetermining thematerial compositionofproducts. Ithasbecomeurgentforustoattain,accommodateandmanagequalitativetechnologicaldevelopment,productsmixandmarketingstrategiestoenhanceourinternationalcompetitiveness.

Madam Chairperson

Greater regional economic integration and collective capacity building areimperative needs to promote our collective competitiveness. South Asia’sshareinglobalproductionandtradeisfarfromcommensuratewithitssizeandpotential.TechnicalcooperationandsharingofexperiencewhichconstitutebulkofSAARCactivitiesnowarenodoubtessentialand importantbutnotsufficienttogeneratetrade,investment,jobsandbetterlifethroughsharedendeavours.TheimmediategoalforusistofacilitateasmoothtransitionfromSAPTAtoSAFTA.Iftheprogressinthepresentnegotiationsisanyindication,wewill have to redouble our efforts for SAFTA tomaterialize as promisedearlier.

Inourjourneytodeepereconomicintegration,weallhavetomakeconcertedeffortstoharmonizeandstabilizemacro-economicpoliciestospurinvestmentand trade in the region. We need to address urgently matters relatingto transport, infrastructure, banking and insurance, trade and paymentmechanisms.Cooperationinthefieldoftourismisalsosignificant.AnopenskypolicylinkingSAARCcapitalsbyairwillfacilitatecooperationinthisarea.Asweacceleratecooperationinthecoreeconomicareas,thespecialneedsandconcernsoftheleastdevelopedmembersoftheAssociationneedtobekeptinclearperspective.

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NepalsincerelybelievesthattheSouthAsianGrowthQuadranglewhichaimsto promote project-based cooperation will contribute significantly to theSAARCobjectivesofacceleratingcooperationinthecoreareasofeconomyandinfrastructure.

Madam Chairperson

Povertyeradicationconstitutesurgentandpriorityagendaforus.Itrequiresa clear and determined objective, coherent and sustained strategies andsteadfastness in pursuit. Poverty is as much the consequence of lack ofeconomic opportunities as it is the product of social structure. A holisticapproach is thus required to address this problem. We need to undertakecomprehensive measures to empower the individual, strengthen genderequality, execute pro-poor growth strategies and ensure a participatorydecisionmakingprocess.Aspovertyhas its roots in inequalities in incomeanddenialofopportunities,ensuringdistributivejusticeisequallyessentialtoeradicatepoverty.

Eventhoughtheprimaryresponsibilityforpovertyeradicationlieswiththenational governments, the SAARC three-tier mechanism has been servingusefulpurposesintermsofsharinginformationandexperiencesandprovidingusefulpolicyinputs.

Environmentaldegradationinourregioniscloselylinkedwiththepersistenceof poverty. The fragile Himalayan ecology and the serious risk of a rise inthesealevelcausedbyglobalwarmingcallforarenewedcommitmentandconcertedefforts. Economicdevelopmenthas tobe synchronizedwith theenvironmentprotectionmeasures,sustainabilityandpoverty.

Madam Chairperson

EnhancingthestatusofwomenisamajorproblembeforeSAARC.Therehavebeen serious efforts both at the national and regional levels aimed at theempowermentofwomen.Experience,however,tellsusthatthereisaneedtogobeyondthelegalisticapproach.Weshouldworkforattitudinalchangethatacceptswomenasanequalpartner.Webelievethatwomenrelatedissuescanbebesthandledthroughsynergisticpartnershipamonggovernmentagencies,the private sector and non-governmental agencies. An early finalization oftheDraftConventiononCombatingtheCrimeofTrafficking inWomenandChildrenforProstitutionwillbeanimportantachievementinthisrespect.

ThestateofchildreninSouthAsiaisamatterofseriousconcern.Legalandadministrative remedies alonearenot sufficient.Deeper social recognition

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oftherightsofthechildisessentialtomakeadifference.TogiveupafilliptoSAARCcooperationinthisvitalarea,wehavedecidedtoobservethefirstdecadeofthe21stcenturyastheDecadeoftheRightsoftheChild.

Humanresourcedevelopment isofhighpriority forallcountriesandmoreso in the case of countries like ours. We should think of developing high-tech educational institutions and centres of excellence in the region thatwill encourage sharing of experiences and knowledge, thus widening theprospectsformakingSouthAsiaareservoirofskilledandtrainedmanpower.

Madam Chairperson

SAARC Regional Conventions on Suppression of Terrorism and onNarcoticDrugs and Psychotropic Substances constitute important building blocks inour cooperation. Early coming into force of these Conventionswill furtherreinforceourcommitmenttofightagainstthesetwinevils.

Madam Chairperson

Enhancedcooperationintheeconomicandsocialfieldsrequiresaneffectivetechnicalback-upandbetterservices.Thiswillplaceagrowingdemandonthe SAARC Secretariat. Scarcity of resources imposes serious obstacles toour desire to endow the Secretariat with the needed human and materialresources.Therefore,whilemakingtheoptimalutilizationoftheresources,we should concentrate on consolidating the existing areas of cooperation.ChangesintheexistinginstitutionalstructureofSAARC,recommendedbytheGroupofEminentPersons,shouldbeexaminedseriously.

ThesuccessofSAARCanditsvitalitydependontheactivecooperationoftheSouthAsiancommunity.Thepeople-to-peoplecontactprogrammesnurturetheSAARCspirit.Weshouldcontinuetowidenthescopeoftheseactivities.Inthiscontext,weappreciatetheeffortsbeingundertakenbytheapexbodies,theGroupofSAARCParliamentarians,theSAARCChamberofCommerceandIndustryandSAARCLaw.

Madam Chairperson

Excellencies

Despitetheenablingenvironmentbasedonsharedculturalandsocialheritageand geographical contiguity, South Asian is still far from being a vibranteconomicregion.Evenasweenterintothecoreareasofeconomy,tradeandfinance,wehavetoreckonwithnewandemergingforces.Thechallengeofgeo-economicsisacompellingfactorcallinguponustoriseabovethelegacy

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ofmistrust and to foster economic cooperation.We have to livewith theneighbourhoodrealities,sharingspacewithneighbours.Recenteventshavegivenrisetothefearofanarmsraceintheregion.Statesmanshipandvisionisrequiredtocounterthisfearofasetbacktopainstakinglycreatedatmosphereofconfidenceinourregionessentialforcooperation.Toadvanceourcollectiveinterestsglobally,wemustpayattentionfirsttotheregion.Acohesiveandresurgent region will find itself a rightful place in the international arena.Strengtheningourcollectiveadvancementshould, therefore,constitutethefoundation for our cooperative efforts. We should try hard to overcomethedifficulties,both realandperceived, that lie in thewayof constructivecooperation.Whatweneed isamatureunderstandingandappreciationofeachother’saspirationsandconcerns.

Our vision for the next millennium is of a peaceful, stable and prosperousSouthAsia.Realizationofthisvisionrequiressustained,concertedandmatureeffortsbackedbyastrongpoliticalwill.Weshouldridourselvesofthepastanomaliesandtrytoexertoureffortsandresourcesforabettercollectiveandfutureforourpeoples.Thehistoricopportunityandchallengetoachieveourgoalisbeforeus.

Thankyou.

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InauguralStatementbyRight Honorable Sher Bahadur Deuba

PrimeMinisterofNepal,EleventhSAARCSummit,4-6Jan.2002,Kathmandu,Nepal

Madam ChairpersonExcellenciesDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen

ItisgreatpleasureforNepaltohosttheSAARCSummitforthesecondtime.Itismoresobecausethisisthefirstsummitofthenewcentury.IextendtheheartiestwelcometoyouallinKathmanduandwishyouaveryhappyNewYear. IalsohavethehonourtoconveythebestwishesofHisMajestyKingGyanendraBirBikramShahDevforthesuccessoftheSAARCSummit.

LetmetakethisopportunitytoexpressmysincereappreciationtothePresidentofSriLanka.HerExcellencyMrs.ChandrikaBandaranikeKumaratunga,fortheoutstandingmannerinwhichshehassteeredSAARCsincetheTenthSummitin Colombo. Under her visionary and active leadership, SAARC has takenseveralnewandcreative initiatives ineconomic, social, and culturalfields,enrichingthecontentsofourcooperation.

Madam Chairperson

Kathmandu,asmanyothercitiesinSouthAsia,hasbeenanentrepotsincetimes immemorial. The intermingling of ideas, beliefs and peoples find astrongresonancehere.ItbringstogetherpeoplesandideastoformamosaiconthelargecanvasofSouthAsia.Itisinthisspiritthatourpeoplehavetakenthe SAARC process. Therefore, Nepal attaches a great significance to theSAARC.

We have come a long way since SAARC was established sixteen years ago.Foundedonthestrengthofsharedculture,aspirationsandinterests,SAARChasestablishedourregional identity inthe internationalarena. Ithasalso

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raised the level of consciousness about our common destiny and openedthe prospects of realizing the full potential of South Asia. During thisperiod, regional initiatives have been launched in core economic areas ofpovertyeradicationandtradeliberalization,togetherwithsocialandculturalactivities.

SouthAsiahasprovedthatstates,asymmetricinsize,capacities,andlevelsofdevelopment,cansuccessfullyembarkuponajourneyofregionaleconomicintegration and interdependence. This has been possible because theleadersandpeopleshave thevision for abetter futureand thewill to actaccordingly.

ThefoundingfathersofSAARChadthewisdomandforesighttoharnessthestrengthsthatuniteus,sothatthewelfareofthepeopleisensurethroughregional cooperation. The successive leaders, including those I have theprivilegetositwithtoday,havecontinuedtoupholdthesevirtuesandtoworkfortheconsolidationofregionalcooperationwithresolveandcommitment.Itakethisopportunitytopaymyprofoundtributestoallthesegreatstatesmen.I wish to particularly recall the outstanding commitment and contributionofoneofthefounders,HislateMajestyKingBirendraBirBikramShahDev,whosetragicdemiselastJunehasprofoundlysaddenedusall.

This summit held at a distinctive juncture and environment, convinces usthattheSAARCisgoingtostayandstriveforwardasanimportantforumtoadvancethecauseofregionalcooperationinSouthAsia.Webelievethatthisforumcansignificantlycontributetonurturefurtherunderstandingamongusandtouniteuswithourcommonalties.Wecanalsobenefitfromtheinformalconsultationstopromotemutualtrustandunderstanding.

SouthAsiaisaregionoftremendouspotentialthatisyettoberealized. Ithastheone-fifthofhumanity,largestpoolofhumanresourcesandabundantnaturalresources.Butparadoxically,itisalsothepartoftheworldwherethelargestnumberofthepoor,illiterateandsickreside.Itshumandevelopmentindicatorsandpercapitaincomesrankamongthelowest.Itsshareinglobaltradeisnegligible.Anenhancedlevelofcooperationistheonlywayforthisregiontosecureresultsandrespectcommensuratetoitspotential.

InNepal’sview,povertyreductionmustbeourforemostpriority.Toeradicatepersistentpoverty,wemusthaveeconomicperformanceatahighertrajectoryofgrowth. Wemustexpandproductionandmarkets, increasetrade, raiseincomesandconsumption,aswellasadoptpro-poorpolicies.Empowermentofpeoplewithbettereducationandhealthservicesforall,wideningofjobmarketandotheropportunities,andpromotionofhumanworkanddignityshouldreceivespecialfocus.

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Whileweseektoexpandtradeoutsidetheregion,effortsmustbeexertedtostimulatetheregionaltrade.Toachievethat,weshouldfinalizetheSAFTAframeworktreaty,andfixthepriorityandsequencingofitsexecution.Inviewoftheseverestructuralconstraintstheyface,theleastdevelopedcountriesshould be given special concession to help them address their seriousdisadvantages.Asthissummitisthefirstinthiscentury,itistimetoadoptavisionarygoalofestablishingtheSouthAsianEconomicUnion,asproposedbytheeminentgroupofexperts,andtostarttakinggradualandincrementalstepstowardsthatobjective.

Nepalstressestheimperativetodeepentechnicalcooperationinthebroadareas already identified and believes water resources should be a majorcomponentundertheenergysector.Someoftheseareashavebeenalsopickedupforsub-regionalcooperation.SAARCoughttoexplorealltheseavenuestoconsolidateeconomiccooperationandpromoteregionalcomplementaritiesandtheeconomiesofscale.

ItisNepal’sconvictionthateconomicgrowthmustbeaccompaniedbysocialprogress in order to attainbalanceddevelopment. For realizing the socialgoals,thereistheneedtoraisingsocialawarenessandtolerance,respectinghumanrights,andremovingdiscriminationandexclusion.Effectivemeasuresshould be taken to prevent violence and discrimination against women,children, and the disadvantaged, and to create an inclusive environment.Favourable conditions should thus be put in place for these segments ofpopulation to participate effectively in allwalks of national life. Since theproposedSAARCSocialCharterwillhelpadvancetheseobjectives,weshouldencouragethiswiththeseriousnessitdeserves.

Womenconstitutehalfofourpopulations.Ibelievethevitalityandprogressof South Asia will be largely determined by how effectively we educate,empowerandmobilizewomenasequalpartnersinprogress.Childrenarethestandardbearersofthefuture.Theyshouldbegivenspaceadopportunitiestorisetotheirfullpotential.IhopethatthesigningoftheSAARCconventionsontraffickinginwomenandchildrenandonthewelfareofchildrenwillmakemajorcontributiontotheirwelfareandprotection.

Whileourregionalreadyisburdenedwithsomanysocio-economicproblems,terrorismhasemergedasamajor threat todevelopmentandpeace. Thisscourge has begun to negate whatever achievements we have made instrengtheningdemocracy,promotinghumanrights,andcreatingmomentumforsocialandeconomicchange.Itsincreasingviciousnessandsophisticationinunleashingindiscriminatekillingof innocentciviliansandthedestructionofthepropertyhasindeedbeenamatterofgreatconcernforallofus. In

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myowncountyNepal,wearefightingterror,whichhasforcedustodivertour attention and limited resources from the much-needed developmentactivities.

To root out the growing menace of terrorism, we should collectively andresolutely fight against this crime and should block drug trafficking andorganizedcrimesthatfinanceandsupportit.Weneedtoexpediteenablinglegislations that will facilitate the implementation of SAARC RegionalConvention on Suppression of Terrorism. This should be complimentedwith the effective implementation of the United Nations Security CouncilResolution1373,whichallofushavesupported.

Apartfromterrorism,theSAARCmembersholdsimilarviewsonmostissueslike official development assistance, debt relief, foreign investment, tradeandmarketaccess,informationtechnology,reformsininternationalfinancialarchitecture and IIIV/AIDS. It is also amatter of satisfaction that commonSouthAsianpositionisemergingonWTOissues.

TheneedtoarticulatethecommonviewsandpositionsoftheSouthAsiancountrieshasbecamefurtherpronouncedinvariousinternationalissuesandevents,inordertostrengthenourcollectiveroleintheinternationalarena,increasingour visibility and influence. In this regard, the year 2002offersunprecedentedopportunity,asweprepareforworldconferencesonFinancingforDevelopment,FoodSecurity,SustainableDevelopment,andchildrenandtheelderly. Byhavingaunitedvoice,wecanmoreeffectivelypursuenewpatternsofpartnershipsandadvanceoursharedinterests.Thenonly,wecanbenefitfromtheprocessofglobalization,turningthisintoanopportunityaspositiveforceforchangeinourcounties.

Madam Chairperson

Governments cannot do everything that we wish to achieve in regionalcooperation. Comprehensive and sustained partnership betweengovernments,theprivatesector,andcivilsocietywillbenecessarytoachieveoursocio-economicgoals.Astrongandbroadbasedpubicsupportwillremainthe most critical element to make our endeavors successful. The SAARCChamberofCommerceandIndustrieshasbeendoingacommendableworkforpromotingregionaleconomiccooperation.WewelcometheirinitiativesforapartnershipbetweentheprivatesectorandthegovernmenttoreachtheimportantmilestonestheSAARChassettoadvancesocio-economicprogressofthepeopleofSouthAsia.

It is encouraging to note that SAARC has become part of the commonpeople’s vocabulary. This has also been augmented by the increasing role

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andvisibilityoftheCivilSociety,whichhasbecomeanincreasinglyimportantstakeholderandkeycatalyst insteeringtheSAARCagenda forward. Nepalhighlyappreciatestheirtremendouscontributionandbelievesthatweshouldurgethemtocontinuewiththeirgoodwork.

AseriesofcommitmentshavebeenmadeunderSAARC,bothineconomicandsocialfields,raisingpeople’sexpectations.Nepalbelievesthatmechanismsforimplementationandmonitoringshouldbestreamlinedandstrengthenedsothatourcommitmentstranslateintoperformance.OnewayofdoingthatwouldbethefurtherstrengtheningandempoweringtheSAARCSecretariat,which Nepal is proud to host since it was established. As the Secretariatis gearing up for a change in its leadership, I would like to welcome theappointmentofMr.Q.AM.ARahimofBangladeshasnextSecretaryGeneralofourAssociationandpledgeNepal’sfullsupporttohim.LetmealsoexpressmythankstotheoutgoingSecretaryGeneralMr.NihalRodrigoofSriLankafortheexemplarycommitmentanddistinctionwithwhichheservedtheSAARCprocess.Iwishhimsuccessinthefuture.

South Asians have always celebrated diversity and cross-fertilization ofcultures,aswellaslearnedtoliveinpeaceandharmonywithoneanother.TheregionhasalsobeenthebirthplaceofLordBuddha,philosophers,sages,monks,andSufis,whohaveinspiredtheregionandbeyondwiththemessageanddeedsofpeace,non-violenceandtolerance.Asthesearchforpeaceisperennial,weneedtocontinueencouragingpeopletolivebyexamples.Nepal,committedtopeaceasitis,wouldliketoproposethatweestablishaSAARCPeaceAwardtohonourtheexemplaryworkofindividualsandorganizationstopromotepeace,understanding,friendshipanddevelopmentintheregion.Ihopethisideawillfindfavourwithourfriends,allofwhomasIknowareequallydedicatedtothesevalues.

Regional cooperation canflourishonlywhenwepursue itwith vigour anddedication.YoumayagreewithmethattheSAARChasbeenabletocreatearegionalspaceforallofus. Ourpeoplescherishtheardentdesiretoseeamorecoherent,stableandprosperousSouthAsiancommunity. Wemustmoveregionalcooperationforwardfocusingonwhatisdoableandachievable,andpursuingitwithresolveanddetermination.Itcallsforpoliticalwillandcommitment at highest level. Nepal remains committed to work with ourfriendstoinvigorateSAARCandaccelerateitsjourneytocollectiveprosperityandpeace.

Thankyou.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Surya Bahadur Thapa

PrimeMinisterofNepal,TwelfthSAARCSummit,4-6Jan.2004,Islamabad,Pakistan

Mr. ChairmanExcellenciesDistinguished DelegatesLadies and Gentlemen

ItisamatterofgreatpleasureformetobeinthisbeautifulcityofIslamabadtoattendtheTwelfthSAARCSummit.Wehavebeenhighly impressedwiththe excellent arrangement made and warm hospitality extended to us bytheGovernmentandpeopleofPakistansinceourarrivalinPakistan.IhavealsothehonourtoconveythebestwishesofHisMajestyKingGyanendraBirBikramShahDevofNepalforthesuccessoftheevent.

IextendmywarmfelicitationstoHisExcellencyMirZafarullahKhanJamali,PrimeMinister of Pakistan, on his assumption of the Chairmanship of theSAARC. I am fully confident that your wisdom, leadership and experiencewillgoa longway infurtherstrengtheningtheorganizationandpromotingregionalcooperation.Whilewishingyouallsuccessinthedischargeofyourresponsibility, let me assure you that His Majesty’s Government of NepalwillextendallpossiblecooperationintheendeavourstofurtherconsolidateenhancedcooperationamongtheMemberCountries.

Excellencies

Aftertheassumptionofthechair,weactivelypursuedtheissuesandagendaof regional cooperation as envisioned in the Declaration of the EleventhSAARC Summit held in Kathmandu in January 2002. I amhappy that a lotof progress has beenmade in various areas of cooperation. Nepal hostedtheinter-summitsessionoftheSAARCCouncilofMinistersinAugust2002,precededbytheregularsessionoftheStandingCommittee.WealsohostedaSpecialSessionoftheSAARCStandingCommitteeinJuly2003,whenthe

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Twelfth SAARC Summit had remained postponed. The Foreign SecretariesdeserveourappreciationfordecidingthedatesoftheTwelfthSummit.ThemeetingalsogavenecessarymomentumtodifferentSAARCactivities.

IhadtheopportunitytovisitalltheSouthAsiancapitalsforconsultation.FrommydiscussionwithalltheLeadersintheregion,IamextremelyoptimisticofthefutureofregionalcooperationintheSAARC.TherecentmeetingoftheCouncilofMinistershasgivenafurtherfilliptoourdeliberations.

NepalhadhostedtheinformalmeetingsoftheSAARCForeignMinistersonthesidelinesof theUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly in2002and2003. ItwasinthismeetingthatourForeignMinistershadcomeupwithasuggestionthatthepovertyalleviationshouldbean“overarchinggoal”oftheregionalcooperationintheSAARC.IthinktheSummitshouldendorsethis ideaandfocusoureffortsinimplementingtangiblecooperationinthefieldofpovertyreduction.

I am very pleased to note the progress in the field of poverty alleviation,especially in the implementation of the tasks mandated by the EleventhSummit.DuringtheSummit,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentgaverenewedemphasisonpovertyalleviation.ThereconstitutedIndependentSouthAsianCommission on Poverty Alleviation (ISACPA) under the convenorship offormerPrimeMinisterofNepalMr.KrishnaPrasadBhattaraihascompleteditscommendablereport.Itshouldbethebasisoffuturecooperationinthefieldofpovertyalleviation.Asmandatedbythe lastSummit, theSecretaryGeneralhas compiledaSAARCRegionalPovertyProfile, including thedataandthebestpracticesofalltheSouthAsiancountries.Anumberofregionalmeetings of poverty-relatedMinisters and Secretaries have been held andaPlanofActionhasbeen ready forourapproval.Wehave toundertakeaholisticandsustainedapproachtowardspovertyalleviationsothatthepooranddestitutearebroughtinthemainstreamofdevelopment.

Substantiveprogresshasbeenregisteredintheareaofeconomiccooperation.ThecompletionoffourthroundofnegotiationsontheSouthAsianPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA)isanimportantachievement.InlinewithourvisionofaphasedandplannedprocesseventuallyleadingtoaSouthAsianEconomicUnion,thesuccessfulconclusionoftheAgreementonSouthAsianFreeTradeArea(SAFTA)willbeabigleapintheannalsofourregionaleconomiccooperation.ThisistheresultofhardworkandintensenegotiationsofourofficialsandForeignMinisters.

Terrorism continues to hauntmost of us.Only recently,His Excellency thePresident of Pakistan fortunately survived a severe terrorist attack. MyowncountryNepalisfacingthewrathofterrorism.Thecampaignofterror

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and violence unleashed by Maoists is targeted against the ConstitutionalMonarchy, Multiparty Democracy, and Rule of Law, which have remainedthehallmarksoftheConstitutionoftheKingdomofNepal.Despiteourbesteffortstosolvetheproblemthroughnegotiation,theterroristshaverevertedbacktoviolence.Whileweareverykeentohaveapeacefulandnegotiatedsettlement of theMaoist problem,we are compelled tomaintain law andorderandprotectthelivesofourinnocentcitizens.HisMajesty’sGovernmentiscommittedtohandlingtheproblemwithexpandeddevelopmentactivities,goodgovernanceandaforward-lookingpolitical,economicandsocialreformspackage.

WhenwemetinKathmandutwoyearsago,wereiteratedoursupporttotheUnited Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 for combating terrorism.Our Senior Officials assisted by legal experts were mandated to preparean Additional Protocol to the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppressionof Terrorism in line with the recent developments and the relevant UnitedNations Security Council Resolutions and the international conventionsagainst terrorism. The conclusion of this Additional Protocol is a result ofextensive consultations among the officials of the Member States. Thislandmark Protocolwill go a longway in combating terrorism.As terroristsdisregardrulesofinternationalbehaviour,thereistheneedtoredoubleoureffortstomaximizeregionalcooperationagainstterrorism.Theterroristswillnotyieldtowordsofcondemnationandpledgesofcooperation.Weneedtoacttogetherresolutely.

OursigningoftheSocialCharterwillbeanimportantstepinreiteratingourcollective commitment to the social sector development. Asmandated bythe 11th Summit, an Autonomous Advocacy Group of Prominent WomenPersonalitieshasbeenconstituted.TheGroupwilladvocategenderissuesandactasacatalystinformulatinggenderresponsivepolicies,promotingequalrightsforwomenandensuringimplementationofinternationalinstrumentsonwomen’srights.Thiswillhelpgalvanizetheinnatepotentialsofwomeninourdevelopmentefforts.

Wehavebeentryingtoevolvecommonpositionsonissuesofsharedinterestattheinternationalfora.SAARCcommonpositionswereevolvedbeforetheWorld Food Summit in Rome, World Summit on Sustainable Developmentin Johannesburg, WTO Ministerial Meetings and the World Summit onInformationSocietyheld inGeneva lastmonth.Wemustcontinue toworktogethertorespondtotheinternationalissuesasabloc.Thatwouldgiveacollectivestrengthintheinternationalarena.

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TechnicalCommitteesarebackbonesofourcooperation.ThereviewoftheTechnicalCommitteesandthe formationofSpecializedWorkingGroupsonTelecommunications, Information and Communication Technology (ICT);Biotechnology;IntellectualPropertyRights;Tourism;andEnergyarewelcomedevelopments.

WeneedtogivemoreattentiontoacceleratingthemomentumtocombatHIV/AIDS,Tuberculosisandotherdeadlydiseases.

TheForeignMinistersof theSAARCandASEANcountries, in their informalmeetinginNewYork,havecomeoutwithgoodrecommendations.Wemayencouragethemtofurtherengageinconstructivedialogueandpartnershipbetweenthetworegionalassociations.WecouldalsothinkofhavingajointSAARC-ASEANSummit.

People-to-peoplerelationshavecontinuedtogrow.Thankstotheveryactiverole played by the civil society, media and “track two” professionals andacademicians. In this regard, we may consider the visa-free movement ofmediapersonsinourcountries.NepalhasrecentlywaivedvisafeesforthenationalsoftheSAARCcountries.WewouldliketourgeotherMemberstodosotoencourageintra-regionaltravelandtourism.

It is matter of satisfaction that Nepal’s proposal for establishing a SAARCAwardhasbeenaccepted.Thiswillbeawardedtohonourtheoutstandingworkofindividualsandorganizationswithintheregioninthefieldsofpeace,development,povertyalleviationandregionalcooperation.Theestablishmentof thisAwardwillencouragecreativeand innovativeendeavours invariousareasofregionalcooperation.

Excellencies

WehavebeenveryencouragedbypositivedevelopmentsthathaverecentlytakenplaceinimprovingrelationsbetweenIndiaandPakistan.Wewelcomesignificant overtures and initiatives taken byHis Excellency PrimeMinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee and His Excellency President Pervez Musharraf in thisdirection.Wecongratulatebothleadersfortheirfar-sightedvision,politicalacumenandahighdegreeofstatesmanship.NepalbelievesthatimprovementofrelationsbetweenIndiaandPakistanwillleadtorelaxationoftensionandhelpstrengthentheSAARCandgiveanewandmeaningful impetus tooursearchforasustainedandenhancedregionalcooperation.

During the Eleventh Summit, we renewed our commitment to furtherstrengthentheSAARCbymakingitmoreresult-orientedandbusinesslike.The

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endorsementofNepal’sproposalsinthisregardhasbeenanimportantsteptowardsinstitutionalreform,simplificationofworkprocedure,andfocusonimplementation.

Thereisaclearneedforrecollectionofthepast.Maybewearegivingtoomuchfocusondeclaringourintentsandareslowinimplementingourpledges.Instead of continuation of proliferation of documents and institutions, itis aboutatime thatwestarted focusingonmakingdoableandachievablecommitments. Instead of long declarations and commitments, we shouldrather stress on implementingwhat had already been agreed upon.Mostimportantly,weshouldsticktothedeadlineswehavesetforourselves.WeshouldcontinuetoallowtheSecretaryGeneraltherequiredflexibilitytofixthemeetingsinconsultationwiththehostsandtoimplementourdecisions.WemayalsoconsidermeetingforourSummitatafixeddateeachyear,asrecommendedbyourForeignMinisters.

Excellencies

Oursisaregionfullofprospects,commonalities,andpotentials.Itisacradleand continuum of ancient civilizations, place of origin of world’s greatestreligions,meltingpotofgreatculturaldiversity,andreservoirofvasthumanandnaturalresources.

Butour region isalsobesetwithproblems,paradoxesanddifferences.Wehavethelargestconcentrationofpoorintheworld.Terrorismcontinuestohauntus.Weareamongtheleast integratedregions intheworld,yetveryslowinregionalcooperation.

Weshouldtransformit intoaregion inwhichpeoples,goods,servicesandtechnologymovefreelyacrosstheborders;themotorandrailwayssystemsareintegrated;andpipelines,transmissionlinesandtelephonelinesareconnectedinagrid.Weshouldrespondtotheworld’sproblemssuchasthechallengesandopportunitiesofglobalizationasaunitedbloc.Weshouldharmonizeoureconomicpoliciesandregisterahigheconomicgrowth.Weshouldutilizeandexploitourfullesthuman,naturalandeconomicpotentialsanddistributethefruitsofdevelopmenttoourpeoplesevenlyandequitably.

Inthelast18yearssinceitsestablishment,theSAARChasmadesomesignificantstrides.Todayithascreateditsownidentity,space,andpositionintheworldarena. Slow but steady, it has shown repeated resurgence despite delaysandpostponements.Wehavedevelopedahugenetworkofinstitutionsandmechanisms.Keyareasofcooperationhavebeenidentifiedandsubstantivecooperation has begun in poverty alleviation, economic cooperation and

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socialdevelopment.TheSAARChasalsoprovidedopportunity for informalbilateraldiscussionsbetweenushelpingtoresolveourproblems.TheSAARChas traversed a journey with renewed commitments and reiterations forforgingamoreenhancedlevelofcooperationintheregion.

We should strive tomove further ahead for our collective advantage andforraisingthequalityoflivesofmillionsofourpeoples.Wehavecherishedtheultimategoalofpursuingandachievinga roadmapof sustained socio-economicdevelopmentofourregion.

ItisinthisspiritthatIpledgeNepal’srenewedcommitmenttotherealizationofourcommonobjectives.

ThankYou.

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StatementbyHis Majesty Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev

KingofNepal,ThirteenthSAARCSummit,12-13Nov2005,Dhaka,Bangladesh

Madam ChairpersonDistinguished Heads of State or GovernmentSecretary General of SAARCExcellenciesLadies and Gentlemen

WearehappytobehereinthisbeautifulcityofDhakatoparticipateintheThirteenth SAARC Summit.We bringwith us greetings and bestwishes ofthepeopleofNepalforthesuccessofthisSummit.WeextendoursincereappreciationtoHerExcellencyBegumKhaledaZiaandtheGovernmentandpeople of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for the warm welcome andhospitalityaccordedtousandourdelegationsinceourarrivalhere.

We congratulate you, Madam Prime Minister, on your election as theChairpersonoftheThirteenthSAARCSummit.Wehaveeveryreasontoplaceourfullconfidence inYourExcellency’swisdomandstatesmanshiptosteerourassociationinthesedefiningtimes.WeassureYourExcellencyofourfullsupportinyourendeavourstomakethisSummitasuccess.

OurtributesmustalsogotoHisExcellencythePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistanMr.ShaukatAzizfortheingenuityanddedicationwithwhichheguidedourassociationforthelasttwoyears.

Wewouldbe remisswithoutexpressingourappreciation to theSecretary-GeneralofSAARCHisExcellencyLyonpoChenkyabDorjiandhisteamattheSAARCSecretariatfortheirhardwork.

It isourgreathonourandprivilegetoconfertheFirstSAARCAwardonthelatePresidentZiaurRahmaninappreciationofhisoutstandingcontribution

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to SAARC and its ideals, despite an inhospitable international climate thatprevailedinthoseformativeyears.

Madam Chair

Wearemeetingheretodayagainst thebackdropof therecentdevastatingearthquakeinPakistanandIndiaandalsoofthetsunamioflastyear.Thepainsandsufferingsofbothcatastropheswillcontinuetoreverberateformanyyearstocome.Whileourbrothersandsistershavenotyetbeenfullyabletodrytheirtears,wedeemitourboundendutytoexpress,onceagain,oursolidaritywith them in overcoming this irreparable loss. Natural calamities of suchscalesunderlineanurgentneedforaneverstrongerregionalpartnershipandconcertedeffortnotonlytomitigatetheburdenofsufferingsbutalsototakepreventivemeasurestoavoidhugelossoflivesanddestructionofpropertyinthefuture.Wecallforastrongandwellcoordinatedregionalmechanismtodealwithnaturalcalamitiesanddisasters.WehopeourmeetinghereinDhakawillgiveaseriousthoughttoit.

Madam Chair

ItiswithanopenmindsetthatwehavecometoparticipateinthisSummit.The contemporary trends in international geo-economics dictate that thetimehascomeforustotakeboldinitiativesandconcretemeasurestorealizeSAARC goals and objectives to satisfy the ever-exorbitant expectations ofourpeoples.Wehavetomoveswiftlytorecoverthelostopportunitiesandmaximize gains by forging regional synergy. Regional cooperation today isnotmerelya simplepoliticalaspiration; ithas ratherbecomeaneconomicnecessityaccentuatedbytheforcesofglobalization. Ifthepresentremindsusofourdutytobringaboutqualitativechangeinthelivingstandardofourpeoples,thefuturedemandsofusfulfillmentofourimportantresponsibilitytoposterity:theresponsibilitytohandoverSAARCtofuturegenerationsinamuchbettershapethanitistoday.Wesurelywantafuturethatisbetterandprosperous.Whilewecannotconvinceourpeoplesbyborrowingsuccessfulhistoricalanecdotesofothersalone,wemustlearntocreatesuccessstoriesstrengthenedbythegloriousinspirationsthatfortifySouthAsianvaluesandethos.

ItwillnotbeanexaggerationtomentionthatSouthAsia,withonefifthofhumanity,isamicrocosmoftheworld.Ourregionpossessesgreatpotentialtobeavibrantforceintheinternationalarena.Whatisurgentlyrequiredisunityofpurposeandcooperativeresolvetogaincollectivebenefitfromourownstrengths.Wemaythinkofabiggerreflectionoutsidetheregion,butthe

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reality isthatwehavetofirstrediscoverSouthAsiatofindoutits inherentstrengths.Manycountriesandpeoplesaroundtheworldhavelearntfromourrichhistoryandenduringexperiences.Unfortunately,weremaindeprivedofthebenefitofourownrichheritage.

Itisastarkrealitythatourregionhasbeenmiredinterrorism,drugtrafficking,humantraffickingandenvironmentalcatastrophesaswellasunbridledspreadofpestilentdiseases likeHIV/AIDSand tuberculosis.As theseproblemsaretranscendental innature,wehavethedauntingchallengetoaddress themmutuallybyenhancingcoordinationamongus.

Povertyremainsthemostdauntingchallengetoourcollectivewisdom.Ourpasteffortshavecertainlyhelpedreduceitsintensity.Yet,wehavetotraversealongwaybeforethissocialevil iscompletelyeliminated.WecongratulatetheSouthAsianIndependentCommissiononPovertyAlleviationforhavingsuggested intellectually exciting, yet practically achievable, measures tocleansethisscarfromSouthAsia.WeendorsetheSAARCDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)andcallforthegalvanisingofourvisions,ideasaswellaseffortsandresourcestoachievethesegoals.Successisamatternotsomuchoftalentoropportunityasofconcentrationandperseverance,wherecommitmentsarematchedbyactions.

Programmes and activities of regional cooperation must contain povertyreductionelements. TheSAARCSocial Chartermustbe integrated into theoverall SAARC activities to promote an inclusive social development for all-men,womenandchildren.TheSAFTAregimeneedstobemaderesponsivetothedevelopmentneedsofthepoorercountriesamongstus.Astradehasdirect consequences for poverty reductionefforts,wemust take adequatemeasurestoensurethatpovertyreductionbecomestheoutcomeofafreetraderegime.

The success of SAFTA will depend on judicious sharing of benefits by allpartners.SAFTAshouldserveasaforerunnerofamoreambitiousanddeepereconomicintegrationtoeventuallyrealizethegoalofaSouthAsianEconomicUnion.We believe that the signing of the four agreements on PromotionandProtectionofInvestments,MutualAdministrativeAssistanceinCustomsMatters,SAARCInternationalCommercialArbitrationCentreandAvoidanceofDoubleTaxationwillfurtherstrengthentheSAFTAregimewithapositivebearingonthegrowthofintra-regionaltradeandinvestment.

Madam Chair

Regional economic integration entails sound policy measures and capableinstitutionstogetherwithanadequateinfrastructuralnetworkattheregional

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level.Asfarasinfrastructureisconcerned,road,air,waterwaysandrailwaylinks across the region are vital for its success. It has become imperativethatwe introduceandcarryoutparallelprocessesofeconomic integrationand infrastructure development. Infrastructure development will obviouslyrequirehugeinvestments.TheSouthAsianDevelopmentFund(SADF),whichwas created, among other things, to mobilize resources for infrastructuredevelopment, remains underutilized for lack of adequate resources andcommon regional projects. We need to revitalize this Fund with requiredresourcesandappropriatetechnologicalandinstitutionaldesign.

Ouroffer thatNepal serveasa transitpointbetween IndiaandChina, thetwolargestemergingmarkets intheworld,hasbeenbornoutofourdeepconvictionthat,inaneracharacterizedbyheightenedcompetitiontocaptureworldmarketsandcapital,increasedtradeandeconomicinteractionbetweenthe two up-and-coming economic zones, facilitated by transportationand communication links, would provide a level playing field for both ourneighbourstoreapbenefitsofapromisingglobaleconomicorder.

South Asia has a great potential for tourism development. Our rich socio-culturalmosaicaddsuptoanunparallelednaturalbeautytomakeourregionanattractivedestinationfortouristsfrombothwithintheregionandabroad.Commonreligiousandculturalsites,suchasLumbini,thebirthplaceofLordBuddha,ifpromotedjointly,willmakesignificantcontributionsinoureffortstopromotetourismattheregionallevel.TheestablishmentofdirectairlinksconnectingmajorSouthAsiancitieswillgiveapowerfulboosttoourtourismindustry. Promotionof tourismwill have a salutary impact on our povertyreductioneffortsthroughadistributionofincomeamongthepoor,includingthoselivinginruralareas.

Weareconvincedthatwithourcollectiveeffortsandcoordinatedpositions,the process of globalization can be turned into a force of growth anddevelopmentinSouthAsia.Globalizationin itself isnotrightorwrong;theimpactsitcreatesonourwayoflifeshouldbecarefullyanalyzed.Wedonotwantglobalizationtoupsetourharmonioussocialbalanceandcrumbleourrichtraditionsandcultures.

Knowledge-basedeconomyisemergingasthedefiningfeatureofourtime.Effective utilization of information and communication technologies willtremendouslyfacilitateourmarchtowardsthisend.Wecannolongeraffordtoseethedigitaldividewidening.Aninclusiveglobalinformationsocietymustbeourgoalandwemustfirmlyandcollectivelyrejectdigitaldominationthatseekstomaketherichricherandthepoorpoorer.

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Madam Chair

Terrorismhasemergedasa serious threat to internationalpeace, security,stabilityanddemocracy.Thegrowingmenaceofterrorism,bothathomeandabroad,concernsusall.Terrorismhasmetamorphosedourworld.Mycountryhasbeenthevictimofsenselessterrorismfornearlyadecadenow.Theagentsofterrorarebentonoverthrowingaconstitutionalorderandreplacingitwitharejectedideologyofaone-partycommunistdictatorship.

We would like to emphasize that, as terrorism knows no geographicalboundary, terrorism in Nepal is certain to affect thewhole of South Asia.Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committedby whomever, whatsoever and for whatever reasons. We expect a similarattitudeon thepartof the internationalcommunity.SouthAsiamustsenda clearmessage that violence cannot be an instrument to further politicalobjectives.

TheFebruaryFirststepinNepalwasnecessitatedbygroundrealities,mainlythefailureofsuccessivegovernmentstocontainever-emboldeningterroristsand maintain law and order. It has not come at the cost of democracy, assometendtoprojectit.Weremindtheinternationalcommunityofthepre-FebruaryFirstsituationinNepal.Ourfriendsandwell-wisherswerewarningusofthedangerofNepalturningintoafailedstate.

The security situation is slowly but surely improving and the people havebenefitedbyagrowingsenseofconfidence.Wehavebeentouringdifferentpartsofthecountryandhaveinteracteddirectlywiththecommonmansoastoinstilinthemagreatersenseofunity,especiallyagainstthemaliciousdesignsposedbyterrorists.Peacehasbeentheiroverridingconcern.Weareconvincedthatthosewhobelieveinpeople’swelfarecannotbedebarredbyanyforcetoreachthepeople.ThereisnoplacetodayintheKingdomwheresecuritypersonnelcannotgoatwill.

The improved security situation has allowed us to announce a date formunicipal elections. The elections are scheduled for February 8, 2006.Believing that successful completion of municipal elections will create anenvironment conducive to conducting general elections, we have askedthe Election Commission to make necessary preparations to hold generalelectionsbyApril2007.Webelievethattherecannotbeameaningfulexerciseindemocracywithoutelections.Wehavealsoasked thosewhohavebeenmisguidedtorenounceviolenceandtotakepartinacompetitivedemocraticpoliticalprocess.

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Madam Chair

Itisironicaltonotethattheglobalwaronterrorismisnotmatchedbyglobalactionagainstit.Theglobalwaronterrorismhasfailedtoreacheverynookand corner of the world, especially in weak and vulnerable countries, as iftheydonotdeserve justiceandprotectionfromterrorism. It isthisdoublestandard and selective approach that is assuming a dangerous characterratherthanterrorismitself.Wecannotmakeadistinctionbetweengoodandbad terrorism; terrorism is terrorism. In our region, theDeclarationof the11thSAARCSummitheldinKathmanducategoricallystatedthat“terrorism,inall its formsandmanifestations, is a challenge toall statesand toallofhumanity, and cannot be justified on ideological, political, religious or anyotherground”.Weagreedthat“terrorismviolatesthefundamentalvaluesoftheUnitedNationsandtheSAARCCharterandconstitutesoneofthemostseriousthreatstointernationalpeaceandsecurityintheTwenty-firstcentury”.NepalhasratifiedtheSAARCConventiononSuppressionofTerrorismanditsAdditionalProtocolwiththebeliefthattheseinstrumentsprovideaneffectivetool to counter terrorism in the region. We call upon the SAARC memberstatestoforgeastrongpartnershiptoeliminateterrorismfromtheregionaswellasspearheadacoordinatedandearnestactionagainstit.

Madam Chair

SAARC is not an association meant for economic cooperation alone. WevisualizeitasanembodimentofSouthAsianidentity.WebelievetheSouthAsianleadersassembledherehaveboththevisionandcouragetodefineatrajectorytoachievethisgoal.Centraltothisideaisincreasedcontactsamongstourpeoplestocreateastrongbasisforgreatercohesionandsolidarityintheregion.Inordertopromotepeople-to-peoplecontactsonalargerscale,wemustthinkofavisa-freeregimeinSouthAsiaalongwithafreetraderegime.ItwillbeaflagshipamongthearrayofSAARCachievements.

WestandforaSouthAsiawhichisfreeoftroublesandtensions.WebelievethatscrupulousobservancebyallcountriesintheregionoftheFivePrinciplesofPeacefulCo-existencewill contribute todevelopingahealthypatternofinter-staterelationship.We,onourpart,havebeenobservingtheseprinciplesasarticlesoffaith.PeaceandstabilityinSouthAsiaisindispensableforourassociation to grow and develop. The recent thaw witnessed in relationsbetween our two great neighbours, India and Pakistan, has given us greatcomfort,rekindlingourhopeforapeacefulandprosperousSouthAsia.

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Madam Chair

The strength of SAARC lies in our collective wisdom, commitment anddedication.Meaningfulregionalcooperationispossibleonlywhenourgoalsare clear and achievable, our commitment is backed by requisite politicalwill,oureffortsarefullofresolve,ourcourseofactionissteadfastandourachievementsareconcrete.RegularityinannualmeetingsoftheSouthAsianleaders,asthesupremedecision-makingbody,willgivecontinuedmomentumtotheSAARCprocess.Freeandfrankexchangeofviewsamongtheleadersinanenvironmentcharacterizedbyagreaterdegreeofinformalitywillhelpfurtherpromotetrustandunderstanding.

FromDhaka,westartedourjourneytwodecadesago.WearemeetingagaininDhakaatthelaunchofthethirddecade.Letushopeourassociationevolveswiththetrendsofthetime.WetakethisopportunitytorenewourprofoundcommitmenttotheprocessofregionalcooperationunderSAARC.And,webelieve that SAARC is the only appropriate forum to advance the cohesivevoiceof SouthAsia. Let us dedicateourselves tomake SAARCan effectiveinstrument of our shared destiny. After all, thoughts lead on to purposes;purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character;andcharacterfixesourdestiny.MaytheDhakaSummitinspireustomarchtowardsthisend!

Thankyou.

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PrimeMinisterofNepal,FourteenthSAARCSummit,3-4April2007,NewDelhi,India

Mr. ChairmanExcellencies the Heads of State and Government of SAARCExcellencies the Representatives from the Observer StatesDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen

Itis,indeed,agreatpleasureformetocometothishistoricandvibrantcityofNewDelhifortheSAARCSummitMeeting.IextendmysinceregratitudetotheGovernmentandfriendlypeopleofIndiaforthewarmreceptionandfriendlyhospitality.

IwouldliketocongratulateHisExcellencyDr.ManmohanSingh,PrimeMinisterofIndia,onhiselectiontotheChair.Nepalplacesitsfullestconfidenceandtrustinyourwisdomandexperience,Mr.PrimeMinister,toleadourdeliberationstoasuccessfulconclusionandtoinjectfreshmomentumanddynamismintothe SAARC process while making it more relevant. Let me also express myappreciationtoBangladesh,foritsstewardshipoftheSAARCprocessduringlastyear,asaChair.IcommendtheSecretaryGeneralforprovidingcommittedleadershiptotheSAARCSecretariatandhiscolleaguesfortheirdedication.

Mr. Chairman

Today, we are welcoming Afghanistan as a member of our family and it issurelyajoyfulmomentforthewholeSouthAsianRegion.Weextendaheartywelcome to His Excellency Hamid Karzai, President of the Afghanistan, inourmidst. Anothermilestone in this SAARCprocess is the participationofinternational community beyond the region as Observers. We would liketowarmlywelcomethem.Weareconfident that theseexpansionarystepswould instill dynamism inourmissionandopennewvistasof relationship

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withtheobservercountries.Thesetwoimportanteventsarethereflectionoftherecognitionofitspotentialsaswellasthecommitmenttoworktogether,indicatingasignofnewconfidenceinSAARC.

Mr. Chairman

Wehavecompleteda journeyofovertwodecadesonthepathofregionalcooperationendeavours.Giventhedifficultsituation,SAARChasbeenabletocultivatethespiritofcooperationandpartnershipamongitsmemberstatestoworktoimprovethelifeofalmostoneandahalfbillionpeople.

We are aware that the region is inextricably bound by history, culture andgeographyandmore recentlyby the current social andeconomic realities.Our challenges and constraints are fundamentally similar in nature thoughtheydifferinmagnitudeindicatingthatweshouldconcentrateourselvesonareas,whichmattermosttothepeopleofourregion.ItisinthiscontextthatIwishtooutlineafewareas,forourfocusedattention,inordertotakeSAARCevenclosertothelivesofthepeople.

In our efforts to promote economic cooperation within the framework oftheAssociation,SAFTAhasalreadycomeintoeffect.Enhancedandeffectiveregionalcooperationshouldleadtoanequitablegrowthandprosperityforall,inparticularfortheleastdevelopedcountriesamongthem,becausetheyfacespecialchallengesandconstraints.Similarly,wehavealsoinitiateddialogueon wider economic issues such as investment, services, energy and macroeconomicpolicies.WearegladabouttheRegionalEnergyDialoguethathasstartedwithintheframeworkofSAARC.WesincerelyhopethatallsourcesofenergyincludinghydropowerwouldbeharnessedforthepromotionofthewelfareoftheSouthAsianpeoplethroughcommonendeavours.Whilegivingprioritytoeradicatepoverty,wehavedesignatedSAARCDevelopmentGoalsandenhancedcooperationon social sectors.Recently,wehavecommittedourselves to accelerate concrete work through execution of projects andto expand the areasof our activitieswith the cooperationof internationalorganizations.

Secondly,theKathmanduSummitagreedtotheultimatevisionofanEconomicUnion in a gradual and phased manner. We all believe that strong andmeaningfulcooperationcanreallytouchthelivesofthepeople.Therefore,asthefirststep,weshouldallstrivetotakeconcreteandinterlockingstepsinanacceleratedpacetooperationalizetheFreeTradeAgreementandenhancethe sizeof thepie for all. Wecan also further contribute to it by reducingphysicalbarriersinthefieldoftransportandcommunications,becausethey

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arethefoundationsuponwhicheconomicinteractionstakeplace.Therecentstudies have shown that the South Asian borders are more cumbersometo pass through than many regions. Trade facilitation measures should,therefore, receive asmuchpriority as the implementationof SAFTA inourdeliberations.

SAARCprocessmustbegearedtofreepeoplefromthechainsofpovertyandmiserythroughtheefficient,effectiveandequitableutilizationofhumanandeconomicpotentials.Pervasivepoverty,hunger,misery,diseaseandignoranceare our formidable challenges as stated and this can only be overcome bymutualcooperation.As Istandhereonthispodium, I thinkofthegenuinehopesandexpectationsofmillionsofpeoplesoftheSouthAsianregionforabetterandsecurefutureforthemandtheirchildren.LetusremindourselvesthatthemainobjectiveofSAARCistoensurepeace,freedom,socialjusticeandeconomic prosperity through regional cooperation.Mutual understanding,good neighborly relations andmeaningful cooperation should foster theseobjectives. This is the benchmark against which we should compare ourresultsandactions.

Mr. Chairman

ManycountriesandvariouspartsofSouthAsiaaresufferingfrominsurgencyand deprivation, although in various dimensions and context. It might beworthwhile for SAARC to look into the issues of marginalization, poverty,governance,globalizationandviolentconflictsinaholisticmanner.Thiscouldbe done while fully respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity and goodneighborly relationsasenshrined in theCharter.As theywill haveadirectbearingonthelivesofthepeople,astructuredandinstitutionalizedworkintheseareascouldopenanothermeaningfulchapterofcooperationinSouthAsia.

Our low social indicators are a stark reminder to us about our situation.Despite a galloping economic growth rate, the incidence of poverty in theregionisstilloneofthehighestintheworld.Ourchallengeisthustoconfrontitwithsinglemindednessandtomakesurethatthereisnotradeofftobemadebetweeneconomicgrowth,equityandreductioninpoverty.Thatcouldbe done through appropriate and inclusive policy interventions, women’sempowerment, socialmobilizationandhigh rateof sustainedgrowth inallourcountriesthroughfurtherconsolidationofourcommonyetsharedeffortsandcooperation.WeshouldlinkupSAARCDecadeofImplementationwiththe SAARCDecade of Poverty Reduction. Implementation of projects suchasMulti-modal Transport, TelemedicineProjectandSouthAsianUniversity

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couldgoa longwaytowardsprovidingtangiblebenefitstothepeople.Weareall cognizantof the fact thatenlarged interactionsatpeople-to-peoplelevel will further reinforce the regional cooperation and bring it closer tothe people of SouthAsia.We should encourage acculturation through theprofessionals, media persons, teachers, writers, workers etc., for fosteringbetterunderstandingandcollaborationintheregion.

Mr. Chairman

InNepal,adecade longarmedconflicthasbeen transformed intoapeaceprocess.Whileprotectingthesanctity,credibilityandintegrityofthedemocraticsystem,wehavemanagedtobringelementsopposedtodemocraticpracticeintothemainstreamcompetitivepolitics.Iamconfidentthatanewchapterwillsoonbewrittenoutofpeople’smandateforthefirsttimeinthehistoryofNepal.Nepal’s transformation has established that the “dialogue” could be aninstrument for socio-political changes. Though democracy may appearfragile inthebeginning, it ismysimplebutfirmconvictionthatdemocracyalonecreatespoliticalandeconomicspacetoinitiatetheprocessofnationalreconciliation and unity, produces a representative government, unitesdifferent ethnic groups, manages underlying differences, addresses deeprootedsocialchangesandmultiplemanifestationsofconflict,andstartsthemuchneededdevelopmentprocesstoextricatepeoplefrompoverty,disease,injusticeandvariousformsofsufferings.

Inconclusion,SAARChasnowreachedastagewhereitiscapableoftakingdecisions to make its present better and future realistic and secure. It istimeforustoshowconcretebenefitstoourpeoplefromarangeofexistingcomplementarities in the region. The success of this regional organizationis naturally in our own hands. We must make sure that we create andsustainaregionalsynergyinourefforts,whichwouldcontributetoenhancecompetitivenessandensureprosperity toall. In thisdayandageof globalinterdependence, enhancement of cooperative efforts will develop a win-win situation for all. We should not lose this opportunity. Let us pledgeourselvestotaketheSAARCprocesstoanewheightwithacollectivevision,firm commitment and effective implementation of programs on a prioritybasis. Nepal pledges its continued support, expresses its commitment anddetermination,andoffersitsreadinesstodoeverythingpossibletomaketheSAARCvisionareality.

Thankyousomuchforyourattention,Mr.Chairman.

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PrimeMinisterofNepal,FifteenthSAARCSummit,2-3Aug2008,Colombo,SriLanka

Your Excellency Mr. Mahinda RajapaksaYour Excellencies the Heads of State and Government of SAARC Your Excellencies the Representatives from the Observer StatesDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen

It is indeedaprivilegeformetobehere inthehistoriccityofColombotoparticipateinthe15thSAARCSummit.OnbehalfoftheNepalesedelegationandonmyown,IwouldliketoextendoursinceregratitudetotheGovernmentand thepeopleofDemocratic SocialistRepublic of Sri Lanka for thewarmreceptionandcordialhospitality.

IwouldliketocongratulateHisExcellencyMr.MahindaRajpaksa,PresidentofSriLankaonhiselectiontotheChairandassurehimthatmydelegationreposesfullconfidenceandtrustonhisleadershipandwisdomtosteerthedeliberationstoasuccessfulconclusion.IwouldalsoliketocongratulateSriLanka on theDiamond Jubilee Celebration of its independence this year. Ibelievethatundertheable leadershipofthenewChair,SAARCwouldtakefurthermomentuminfulfillingitsnobleobjectivesasenshrinedintheCharter,whileproving itsrelevancetothepeoplebymakingthemcapabletomeetthenewchallenges.IwouldalsoliketotakethisopportunitytoexpressoursincerethankstoIndia,ImmediatePastChair,fortheactiveleadershiproleitplayedduringthelastyear.IwouldalsoliketorecordourappreciationforthecommittedleadershipoftheSecretaryGeneralandthededicationandhardworkofhisteam.

Mr. Chairman

As we stand here to deliberate on the issues of regional integration andcollectiveactionwithinanAssociationthatcoversaquarterofthehumanity

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of the world, we have to do so against the formidable challenges we areconfronted with. They are of long term and short term in nature. Whilepromoting an inclusive growth, we should focus ourselves on alleviatingpoverty,andensuringemploymentopportunitiestotheyouthsthroughoutthe region. Now, this has to be looked at against the background of anunprecedentedriseinthepricesofhydrocarbonfuelsandfood.Whereasthepriceescalationof fuelshas createdproblems to sustaineconomicgrowthneededtopromotewelfareofthepeopleofSouthAsia,theriseinfoodpricehas put questions on the very livelihood of our people. Our vulnerabilitytotheseshocks ismorethanthatofmanyothercountries.ThesedauntingchallengesdemandthatpovertyreductioneffortsinSouthAsiashouldhaveacomprehensiveapproachandbefocusedandresult-oriented.

Sinceourregionsuffersfromenergydeficit,weneedincreasedefficiencyinourenergyuseandcollectiveeffortsinconservationofenergyresources.Wemust immediately take strategic steps for regional energy connectivityandenergytradeforexploitationanduseofallenergyresourcesavailableintheregion,whileensuringuniversalaccesstocommercialfuels.Nepalisreadytoutilize therichhydropowerpotentialsof thecountry forequitablebenefitsintheneighborhood.Moreover,wefeelthatweneedtodeveloparegionalstrategyformanagementofwatersforalldifferentkindsofusesintheregioninviewoftheincreasingproblemofwaterscarcityfacedbythepeopleintheregion.

Theadverseenvironmentalchangesinducedbyclimatechangeiscallingonsustainableandjudicioususeofnon-renewableresourcesandacommitmentto an increased use of renewable sources of energy such as hydropower.Whilethereisalargerresponsibilityoftheeconomicallyadvancedcountriesto address the problems of global climate change, we must work with aunitedpositiontoensureincreasedresourceflowandtechnologytransfertoenhanceourcapacityinCleanDevelopmentMechanism.

WewelcomethepreparationforestablishmentofSMRCDevelopmentFund,which,Ibelieve,willinitiatetheprocessoffundingregionalandsub-regionalprojects in the areas of social, economic and infrastructure development.Fromthepilotstageofprojectsimplementation,weneedtoensurepropermatchingof funding requirements inourenormouspriorityareaswith theactual availability of funds for their effective implementation. We shouldmakeeffortstotapthegrowingstrengthoftheprivatesectoroftheregioningettinginvolvedinprojectsunderPublic-Private-Partnership(PPP)schemeandtheappropriate involvementofthe internationalandregionalfinancialorganizations in consonance with the SAARC objectives and principles.

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Implementation of SAFTA is our first major step towards the arduouscourseofdeeperintegrationofeconomies.Wemustalwaysaskhowmuchbenefit our people are getting from this joint effort and howmuch tradeexpansion it has fostered. I see more role and responsibility of all of us tomakeSAFTAanengineofgrowthinSouthAsia.Atthesametime,Irequestall member countries to be responsive to overcoming the hardships andcapacity constraints suffered by LDCs like Nepal in a bid to translate intoaction theprovisionsenvisagedunder SAFTAAgreement.Weare in favourofincludingTradeinServicesunderSAFTAandimplementingallagreementsandmeasuresdesignedtofacilitateintra-regionaltradeasearlyaspossible.TheemphasisonconnectivityoftheSouthAsianpeoples,places,economiesand infrastructure must be reiterated with firmer resolve so that we canimplementprioritizedprojectsidentifiedforachievementofthesegoals.Asalandlockedcountry,weattachimportancetoimprovementofmulti-modaltransport and transit infrastructure of the region, and proper facilitationof transport and transit in order to lower the cost of doing business andenhancingefficiencyandeffectivenessofourtrade.

Growing disparity between the haves and have-nots is putting enormousstressonsocialharmony,peaceandsecurity inseveralpartsofSouthAsia.Inaddressingthisproblem,weareallawarethatwehavetomakethesocio-economicandpoliticaldevelopmentprocessesmorepeople-centered,inclusiveandbasedonequalityandjustice.ThesocialsectorissuesofSouthAsiaaretoomanyasanyother issues.ButIthinkthemost importantonesathandarecombatingterrorisminall itsformsandmanifestations,preventingandcontrollingtheuseofnarcoticdrugsandpsychotropicsubstances,controllingothertransnationalcrimesandaddressingtheissuesofwomenandchildren,includingtheeliminationofworstformsofviolenceagainstthem.Theexistingconventionsinthesocialsectorwillprovetheirworthiftheyarebackedbyenablingnational legislationsand themechanisms toaddress these issues.Theyhavetobepromotedinamoreharmonizedwayby,amongotherthings,involvingthecivilsocietyorganizationsandtheprivatesectorintheprocess.

Mr. ChairmanExcellenciesLadies and Gentlemen

WeinNepalhavemadeacommitmenttobringingallsocialclasses,ethnicgroups,andgeographicregionsintothenationalmainstreamwhileputtinganendtothedecadeoldconflictthroughthesuccessiveconsolidationofpeace

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process.Ourmainpriorityishowtoensureinclusivenessofthesocialclass,genderandpeoples living invariousgeographicareas inthegovernanceofthecountry inorder toenable themtoshape theirowndestiny.FollowingthesuccessfulConstituentAssemblyelectionsofApril10,2008,thecountryispursuingthepathofsocio-economicandpoliticaltransformationprocessinanattempttobringthepeaceprocesstoalogicalconclusionandrealizethedreamofmakinganewNepalbasedondemocratic ideals,equality, justiceandinclusiveprogress.

We have built strong bonds of trust and fraternity within SAARC since itsestablishment 23 years ago. We believe in collective actions to promotecollectiveprosperity.Wemust consolidateourwork tobring this commonvisionintoreality.

Thisisapropitioustimetoattainourobjectives,andtheyareindispensabletotakeourregiontoanewheight.Thisisthepromisethatwehavemadetothepeopleandwemustdeliver.Andlookingatthelong-termperspectives,weholdtheviewthatwehavenootheroptionthantosynergizeallourefforts,basedontheprovencomplementaritiesofSouthAsia, torealize thenobleobjectivesofSAARC.

Thankyou.

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StatementbyRight Honourable Madhav Kumar Nepal

PrimeMinisterofNepal,SixteenthSAARCSummit,28-29April2010,Thimpu,Bhutan

Mr. ChairmanExcellenciesDistinguished delegates and ObserversLadies and Gentlemen

May I, at the outset, expressmywarm congratulations to Your ExcellencyforyourassumptionoftheonerousresponsibilityoftheChairpersonoftheSAARC. I am fully confident that with your long association in the SAARCprocessandfromyourinsight,wisdom,andleadership,ourAssociationwillreceivefurthermomentumanddynamisminthedaystocome.

IwouldalsoliketoexpressourprofoundappreciationtoYourExcellencyandthroughyoutotheRoyalGovernmentofBhutanforthewarmreceptionandgeneroushospitalityextendedtoussinceourarrivalinthispicturesquecapitalThimpuand formeticulouspreparationsandexcellentarrangementsmadefortheSummit.IhopethattheThimpuSummitwillgodowninthehistoryofSAARCasthememorableandhistoricevent,sincewewillbecompletingonefullcycleofSummitlevelmeetingsinalltheoriginalmemberstatesofSAARC.ThissymbolizesthecomingofageofourAssociationcapabletotakeupaddedresponsibilitiesaswellastochartfutureroadmapintuneofemergingrealitiesandchallenges.

Mr. Chairman

WhenwespeakabouttheroadmapofSAARC,themostcommondenominatoristhatSAARCisallaboutregionalintegration–economically,culturally,andsocially. It is about inclusive growth and development of the region. It isaboutgreaterconnectivityandeasiermovementofgoodsandpeopleintheregion.Itisabouteventuallyaneconomicunion,withacommonmarketand

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commoncurrencyforoptimumutilizationofresourcesintheregionandfortheirsharedbenefitstoourpeople.Therefore,timehascomeforustothinkandactinabiggerwaytoaddressthemyriadchallengesthatwearefacingintheregionandmoveaheadtoachievethegoalsandobjectivesforacohesiveandprosperousregion.

Oneoftheemergingchallengesthatwefacetodayis imminentcalamitouseffects from climate change and environmental degradation to our peoplein the region and beyond. Despite our least contribution to this negativephenomenon, all our countries are prone to devastating effects of globalwarming in the form of sea level rise, snow melts in the Himalayas anderratic weather patterns, resulting in prolonged droughts sometimes andheavyrainfallatothertimescausingflashfloodsandlandslidesanddirectlyimpactingonagricultureandfoodsupply.RetreatofglaciersintheHimalayasandthedangersfromglaciallakeoutburstsposeimmenserisktothelivesandlivelihoodofmorethanonebillionpeopleintheregiondependingupontheriversflowingdownfromtheHimalayas.Thus,fromthehighHimalayastothelowlyingregionsintheIndianOcean,weallfacetheimminentdangersfromtheimpactofclimatechangeandenvironmentaldegradation.

Giventhegravityandmulti-dimensionaleffectofclimatechangetohumanity,concertedactionsareurgentlyrequiredatall levels-national,regionalandinternational.Ifwefailtoactfastandactnowontheburningissueofglobalwarming,posteritywillsquarelyblameonusforourfailuretoprotecttheirprecious lives, rare biodiversities, animal species and plants. To avert suchunthinkable consequences, we in SAARC, must come forward more vocallyforurgent internationalaction tosave theplanetearth fromtheeffectsofclimatechange.It is,therefore,quitebefittingthattheThimpuSummithasrecognizedtheloomingthreatofclimatechangewiththetheme‘TowardsaGreenandHappySouthAsia’.

Asamountainouscountrywithfragileeco-system,Nepalremainsextremelyvulnerabletotheimpactsofclimatechange.TheKalapatharDeclarationourCabinetmeetingadoptedatthebasecampoftheMt.EverestontheeveofCOP15onClimateChangeinCopenhageninDecember2009,sentamessageoftheimminentthreatofclimatechangetomountainouscountrieslikeNepal.Therefore,weareworkingto forgeMountainAlliance Initiative forClimateChangetovigorouslypushtheagendainregionalandglobalclimatechangeforums.We aremaking preparations to call aministerial meeting of suchvulnerablecountriesinNepallaterthisyeartopromotegreaterandeffectivecooperationinthisdirection.Iamconvincedthatbyjoininghandstogether,weinSAARCcaneffectivelyarticulateoursharedviewsandcommonpositionon

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issuesofclimatechangeandenvironmentaldegradation.Andbyourcommonresolve andbackedby concrete actionplans,we can betterwithstand theloomingthreatfromclimatechangeandprotectenvironment.Inthiscontext,we are fully supportive of the need for a legal-institutional framework oncooperationonenvironmentwithinSAARCframework,whichwillgoalongwayinourcollectiveeffortstoprotectenvironmentintheregion.

Mr. Chairman

Prevalence of wide-spread poverty and economic deprivation is anothercritical challenge in the region. While South Asia region has witnessedimpressive economic growth in recent years, despite global economicdownturn,wearestillgrapplingwiththeproblemofhighincidenceofpoverty.ThechallengesofpovertyeradicationfromtheSAARCregionaredauntingsoaretheopportunitiesbeforeus.Ourregionisbestowedbyabundantnaturalresources,whicharewaitingfortheirfullutilization.Also,theregionhasthemostyouthfulpopulation,fullofingenuityandinnovation,capableofchangingthesocio-economiclandscapeoftheregion.Byoptimalutilizationofnaturalandhumanresourcestogether,SAARChasthepotentialtobecomeoneofthedynamicandprosperousregionsintheworld.Itis,therefore,incumbentonustochartregionalstrategyforpovertyalleviation,includingthefulfilmentofSAARCDevelopmentGoals(SDGs),inwhicheverymemberstatehasavitalstake.

It is ourfirmbelief thatoneof the surestways for aprosperous SAARC isthrough increased intra-SAARC regional trade. Unfortunately, intra-SAARCregionaltrade,atpresent,issignificantlylow,whichmeansthatourpeoplehavenotbeenfullybenefittedfromthedividendsofincreasedtradeamongourcountries.TheprogressofSAFTA,whichisthemaininstrumentandvehiclefor intra-SAARC regional trade, has been painstakingly slow due to tariff,non-tariff,andpara-tariffbarriers.We,therefore,needtobeboldenoughtoremoveremainingtradebarriersinthepathofSAFTAsothatwecanreaptheadvantages of complementarities that exist in the region andmove aheadtothedirectionofacommonmarketinSouthAsia.Weshouldalsogivedueconsiderationon trade facilitationmeasures andgive special considerationto LDCs and land-locked member states in the SAFTA framework so as toaugmenttheirlowvolumeoftradeintheregion.

Mr. Chairman

Physicalconnectivityispre-requisitenotonlyforgreatervolumeoftradebutalsoforincreasedflowofpeopleintheregion.Efficientnetworksofhighways,

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railroads,seaports,andconnectionbyairbetweenandamongourcountriesare critical for seamless movement of goods and people. In a globalisedworld,whenspaceanddistancehaveincreasinglybecominginconsequential,in SAARC,weare still handicappedwith theproblemof adequatephysicalinfrastructuretoconnectourpeople.Inordertoovercomesuchhindrancesand to improve connectivity in the region, we need to urgently focus onefficientdevelopmentofSAARCmulti-modaltransportsystem,byupgradingexistingroads,railnetworksandairlinkages,andcreatingnewones,aswellasbyprovidingadequatetransitfacilitiesto land-lockedmemberstates.AswearecelebratingNepalTourismYearin2011,wewillbepleasedtoorganizeSAARCTourismMinistersMeetinginKathmanduinearlypartof2011,whichwillprovideopportunitytochartstrategiesfordevelopingtourismpackagesanddestinationpromotionintheregion.

Mr. Chairman

TheimperativeneedforSAARCtofocusonproject-basedapproachratherthantosquanderitstime,energy,andresourcesonperipheralmattersshouldbeviewedfromtheaboveperspective.ThesuccessofthewholeSAARCprocesswillbe judgedbyourabilitytodeliverconcreteresultstoourpeople.Onlybyarticulatingcooperative strategiesandbackedby concreteactionplans,wewillbeabletoaccomplishthecherishedgoalsandobjectivesofSAARC.HereliestheimportanceoftheneedforinvestmentinSAARCregionalandsub-regionalprojects,whichareresult-orientedanddirectlybeneficialtothepeople.

Iamhappytonotethat,withtheestablishmentoftheSAARCDevelopmentFund(SDF),SAARCismovingtothatdirection.Ourpeoplehavetremendoushopes and expectations from this newly created institution for qualitativetransformation in their lives. I am fully confident that SDF, sooner thanlater, will embark on social and infrastructure projects at regional or sub-regional level forgreatereconomicbenefits toourpeople. In this task,wearefavourablydisposedtotheideaofmobilizationofexternalresources, ifneedbe,besidesourownfinancialsubscriptiontotheFund.IwishtoextendmysincereappreciationtotheRoyalGovernmentofBhutanforhostingthepermanentSDFSecretariatinThimpuandcongratulateitsfirstCEOandassureNepal’sfullestsupporttotheactivitiesoftheFund.

ItisalsoencouragingthatSAARChasbeenabletoestablishlinkageswithmanycountries and regional and international organizations to foster goodwill,cooperationandunderstanding.Thepresenceofdistinguishedrepresentativesof observer states and regional and international organizations in SAARC

Statements of SAARC


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gatheringsisthetestimonyofgrowinginterestintheSAARCprocessandtoenhancecooperationwithin theSAARCframework. Iearnestlybelievethatenhancedlevelofinteractionswithourfriendsandwell-wishersofSAARCwillcreatenewavenuesfordialogueandcooperation.

Mr. Chairman

SAARCembodies hopes and aspirations of nearly 1.5 billion people of ourregionforharmoniousandprosperousSouthAsia.Inits25yearsofhistory,SAARChasmadesignificantstridetorealizetheobjectivesenshrinedintheCharter.Sinceitsinception,SAARChaslaidbricksandmortarsofnewideasandfreshapproachestosolidifyitsedifice.Now,SAARChassufficientlymaturedandenteredtoastagethatisabletotranslatetheideasintoconcreteactionsanddelivertangiblebenefitstoourpeople.Wearefullyconfidentthatwithourcollectiveresolveandwisdom,SAARCissettoemergeasavibrantanddynamic reality in the region and beyond, to reckon with. I would like toreiterateNepal’sfullcommitmenttoworktogetherwithothermemberstatesofSAARCinthispursuit.

IthankyouMr.Chairman.

Thankyou.

Declarations of SAARC


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Part II

The Summit Declarations of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of

SAARC from 1985-2010


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DHAKA DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the First SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 8th December, 1985.

1. The President of Bangladesh, the King of Bhutan, the Prime Ministerof India, the President of Maldives, the King of Nepal, the Presidentof Pakistan and the President of Sri Lanka met in Dhaka on 7 and 8December1985.

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderscoredthehistoricsignificanceoftheirfirsteverSouthAsianSummitmeeting.Theyconsideredittobeatangiblemanifestationoftheirdeterminationtocooperateregionally,to work together towards finding solutions towards their commonproblemsinaspiritoffriendship,trustandmutualunderstandingandtothecreationofanorderbasedonmutualrespect,equityandsharedbenefits.

3. Theyrecognizedthatperiodicmeetingsattheirlevelwerecentraltothepromotion of mutual trust, confidence and cooperation among theircountries.

4. TheHeadsof StateorGovernment reaffirmed that their fundamentalgoalwastoacceleratetheprocessofeconomicandsocialdevelopmentin their respective countries through the optimumutilization of theirhuman and material resources, so as to promote the welfare andprosperityoftheirpeoplesandtoimprovetheirqualityoflife.Theywereconsciousthatpeaceandsecuritywasanessentialprerequisitefortherealizationofthisobjective.

5. TheleadersoftheSouthAsiancountriesreaffirmedtheircommitmenttotheUNCharterandtheprinciplesgoverningsovereignequalityofStates,peacefulsettlementofdisputes,non-interferenceininternalaffairsandnon-use or threat of use of force against the territorial integrity andpoliticalindependenceofotherStates.TheyreiteratedthattheUnitedNationsconstitutedthemostimportantforumfortheresolutionofallissuesaffectinginternationalpeaceandsecurity.

6. TheyalsoreaffirmedtheirdeepconvictioninthecontinuingvalidityandrelevanceoftheobjectivesoftheNonalignedmovementasanimportantforceininternationalrelations.

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7. The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that the countriesof South Asia, who constituted one-fifth of humanity, were facedwith the formidable challenges posed by poverty, underdevelopment,low levels of production, unemployment and pressure of populationcompounded by exploitation of the past and other adverse legacies.Theyfeltthat,boundastheircountrieswerebymanycommonvaluesrootedintheirsocial,ethnic,culturalandhistoricaltraditions,regionalcooperationprovidedalogicalresponsetotheseproblems.Theywereconsciousof their individual and regional strengths, theirpotential asahugemarket,theirsubstantialhumanandnaturalresourcesandthecomplementaritiesof theireconomies.Theywereconfident thatwitheffectiveregionalcooperation,theycouldmakeoptimumuseofthesecapacitiesforthebenefitoftheirpeoples,acceleratethepaceoftheireconomicdevelopmentandenhancetheirnationalandcollectiveself-reliance. They were convinced that their countries, which had madeimportantcontributionstotheenrichmentofhumancivilization,couldtogether play their due role in international relations and influencedecisionswhichaffectedthem.

8. The Heads of State or Government emphasised that strengthening ofregional cooperation in South Asia required greater involvement oftheirpeoples.Theyagreedtoincreasenteractionandfurtherpromotepeople-to-people contacts at various levels among their countries. Tothis end, they decided to take steps to create awareness and publicopinionintheregion.

9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheprogressalreadymadeintheimplementationoftheIntegratedProgrammeofActionintheninemutuallyagreedareas.Theyexpressedtheirdesiretoconsolidateandfurther expand cooperative effortswithin an appropriate institutionalframeworkinaspiritofpartnershipandequality.

10. The leaders were convinced that they could effectively pursue theirindividualandcollectiveobjectivesandimprovethequalityoflifeoftheirpeoples only in an atmosphere of peace and security. In this context,they expressed concern at the deteriorating international politicalsituation.Theywerealarmedattheunprecedentedescalationofarmsracearticularlyinitsnuclearaspect.Theyrecognizedthatmankindtodaywasconfrontedwiththethreatofselfextinctionarisingfromamassiveaccumulation of the most destructive weapons ever produced. Thearms race intensified international tensionandviolated theprinciplesoftheUNCharter.Theleaderscalleduponthenuclearweapons-states



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for urgent negotiations for a comprehensive Test Ban Treaty leadingto the complete cessation of testing, production and deployment ofnuclearweapons.Inthisconnection,theywelcomedtherecentmeetingbetweenPresidentReaganandGeneralSecretaryGorbachevinGenevaandexpressedthehopethatthemeetingwouldhaveapositiveeffectoninternationalpeaceandsecurity.

11. The Heads of State or Government expressed deep concern at thecontinuing crises in the global economy. They underscored thatdeteriorating economic and social conditions had seriously retardeddevelopingcountries.Sharplyfallingcommodityprices,deteriorationinthetermsoftrade, intensificationofprotectionistmeasures,spirallingdebtburdenandadeclineintheflowofexternalresources,especiallyconcessionalassistance,hadcausedaserioussetbacktotheeconomicdevelopmentofthedevelopingcountries.Thesehadbeencompoundedbynaturaldisastersandprecariousworldfoodsecuritysituationaffectingdevelopingcountries.Theyalsoexpressedconcernoverthediminishingcapacityofinternationalfinancialandtechnicalinstitutionstorespondeffectivelytotheneedsofthedisadvantagedandpoorercountriesandregrettedthatthespiritofmultilateralcooperationhadbeguntofalterandweaken. Thiswas particularly disturbing in the face of increasedinterdependence of developed and developing countries and the factthateconomicrevivalofNorthwascloselylinkedtoeconomicprogressinSouth.Theybelievedthatdevelopmentsduringthepastdecadeshadclearlydemonstratedthestructuralimbalancesandinequitiesinherentintheexistinginternationaleconomicsystemanditsinadequacytodealwithproblemsofdevelopment.

12. They strongly urged that determined efforts should be made by theinternationalcommunitytowardsrealizationofthegoalsandtargetsoftheInternationalDevelopmentStrategyaswellastheSubstantialNewProgrammeofActionfortheLeastDevelopedCountries.TheycalledforurgentresumptionoftheNorth-Southdialogueandearlyconveningofan International Conference onMoney and Finance for Developmentwithuniversalparticipation.

13. The Heads of State or Government were conscious of the historicimportanceof theDhaka Summit and reiterated their conviction thatthelaunchingoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC),whichtheyhadestablishedatthismeeting,wouldplaceregionalcooperationonafirmfoundation,playanimportantroleinacceleratingthepaceofeconomicandsocialdevelopmentoftheircountries,promote

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theobjectivesof individualandcollectiveselfrelianceandfurtherthecauseofpeace,progressandstabilityintheirregionandtheworld.

14. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofBhutan, India,Maldives,Nepal,Pakistan and Sri Lanka were deeply appreciative of the exemplaryChairmanship of theirMeeting by the President of Bangladesh. TheyexpressedtheirprofoundgratitudeforthewarmandgracioushospitalityextendedtothembytheGovernmentandthepeopleofBangladeshandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadeforthemeeting.



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BANGALORE DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Second SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 17th November, 1986.

1. ThePresidentofBangladesh,theKingofBhutan,thePrimeMinisterofIndia,thePresidentofMaldives,theKingofNepal,thePrimeMinisterofPakistanandthePresidentofSriLankaassembledatthesecondSAARCSummitinBangaloreon16and17November,1986.

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirdesireofpromotingpeace,stability,amityandprogressintheregionthroughstrictadherenceto the principles of the United Nations Charter and Non-alignment,particularly respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorialintegrity,nationalindependence,non-useofforceandnon-interferencein the internal affairs of other States and peaceful settlement ofdisputes.

3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedthewilloftheirpeoplesandGovernmentstoworktogetherinaccordancewiththeSAARCChartertodevisecommonpoliciesandapproachesforfindingcommonsolutionstothesharedproblemsthatallofthemface.Theystressedthatmutualtrust,goodwillandunderstandingmustanimatetheircooperativeeffortunderSAARC.Progressandprosperityineachcountrywouldredoundtothebenefitofothers.ThiswaswhatconstitutedtheSAARCspirit.

4. TheleadersreaffirmedthattheprincipalgoalofSAARCwastopromotethe welfare of the peoples of South Asia, to improve their quality oflife, to accelerate economic growth, social programmes and culturaldevelopmentintheregionandtoprovideallindividualstheopportunitytoliveindignityandtorealizetheirfullpotential.

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledthatthecountriesofSouthAsiahadbeenlinkedbyage-oldcultural,socialandhistoricaltraditions.These had led to enriching interaction of ideas, values, culture andphilosophies. These commonalities constituted solid foundations forregionalcooperationforaddressingmoreeffectivelytheeconomicandsocialproblems.

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6. The Heads of State or Government recalled that the South AsianAssociation for Regional Cooperationwas themost populous regionalgrouping in theworld.Thecountriesof the regionhad large, richandvariedhumanandnaturalresources.Theyexpressedtheirdeterminationto achieve the optimum utilization of these resources by intensifyingtheircooperation,bearing inmindtheimmensepresentandpotentialcomplementarities among their economies. They recognised that thiswouldrequireincreasingexchangeamongtheircountries,onthebasisofmutualbenefit,ofideas,experienceandtechnologyaswellasgoodsandservices,whichutilizeandenhancetheproductivecapacityofeachof their countries and build their collective self reliance. They wereconvincedthatthecountriesofSouthAsiawhichhadbeenthecradleofhumancivilizationandculturecould,actingtogetherco-operativelyandcohesively,onceagainplaytheirdueroleinthecomityofnations.

7. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedthegreat importanceofthe increasing involvement of the people for ensuring the success ofregionalcooperation.Theyemphasizedtheneedforpromotinggreatercontactsamongthepeoplesoftheregionthroughsuchactionasregularand frequent interchange of scholars, academics, artists, authors,professionalsandbusinessmenaswellasfacilitationoftourism.

8. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction thatconsiderable progress had been achieved in the implementation ofSAARC Integrated Programme of Action. They expressed their firmcommitmenttoconsolidateandstreamlinefurthertheimplementationof the IPA. They agreed that a progressive movement towards moreconcrete and action-oriented projects and programmes was essentialto ensure more tangible benefits from SAARC to the peoples of theregion.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedtheimportanceofexpandingcooperativeendeavoursunderSAARC.TheywelcomedtheestablishmentoftheTechnicalCommitteesonWomeninDevelopment,andonthePreventionofDrugTraffickingandDrugAbuse.

9. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the signing of theMemorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the SAARCSecretariat by the Council of Ministers and their decision to locatethe Secretariat in Kathmandu and appoint Ambassador Abul Ahsan ofBangladeshasthefirstSecretary-GeneralofSAARC.TheywereconvincedthattheestablishmentoftheSecretariatwouldassistinthecoordinationofSAARCactivitiesandmorefruitfulimplementationofitsprogrammesandprojects.



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10. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatmeetingtheneedsofallchildrenwastheprincipalmeansofhumanresourcesdevelopment.Children should, therefore, be given the highest priority in nationaldevelopmentplanning.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderlinedthe importance of enhancing public consciousness and building anationalpoliticalconsensusontherightsofthechildren.InthiscontexttheycalledforanearlyconclusionandadoptionoftheUNConventionon the Rights of the Child. They subscribed to the goals of universalimmunizationby1990,universalprimaryeducation,maternalandchildnutrition,provisionofsafedrinkingwaterandadequateshelterbefore2000A.D.Theyalsobelievedthatitshouldbepossibletoensureattheendof thecentury, thatnochildneeddieorbedenieddevelopment,forreasonsofmaterialpovertyinthefamily.TheydirectedtheStandingCommittee to undertake annual reviews of the situation of childrenin the SAARC countries, monitoring of programmes and exchange ofexperience.

11. The Heads of State or Government agreed that cooperation amongSAARCStateswasvitalifterrorismwastobepreventedandeliminatedfromtheregion.Theyunequivocallycondemnedallacts,methodsandpracticesofterrorismascriminalanddeploredtheirimpactonlifeandproperty,socialeconomicdevelopment,politicalstability,regionalandinternational peace and cooperation. They recognized the importanceoftheprincipleslaiddowninUNResolution2625whichamongothersrequired that each State should refrain from organizing, instigating,assistingorparticipatinginactsofcivilstrifeorterroristactsinanotherState or acquiesing in organized activitieswithin its territory directedtowardsthecommissionofsuchacts.

12. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirconcernatthecrisisfacingtheUnitedNationssystem.TheyreiteratedtheirdeepcommitmenttothepurposesandprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsCharterandtheirsupport for and faith in the United Nations as the most importantinternational forum for addressing issues of peace, disarmament anddevelopmentandanessentialinstrumentforbringingaboutjusticeandequity in internationalpolitical andeconomic relations. They resolvedtoconcerttheireffortsinallmultilateralforawithintheUnitedNationssystem to preserve and strengthen the Organisation and to preventerosionofitsrole,functionsandprinciples.

13. TheHeadsofStateorGovernment reiterated theirdeepcommitmentto the principles and objectives of the Non-aligned Movement and

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underlined the historic role the Movement had been playing instrengtheninginternationalpeace,promotingdevelopment,establishingequitable and just economic relations and strengthening internationalcooperationinallfields.ThesuccessoftheHarareSummitoftheNon-aligned countrieswas yet another demonstration of the strength andunityoftheMovementandtheincreasingrespectthatithadcometocommand in the international community. They affirmed full supportfor the decisions adopted at the Summit and called for their earlyimplementation.

14. The leaders of the South Asian countries were convinced that anenvironment of peace, security and respect for international lawwasessentialfortheirgrowthandstability.Unfortunately,thisenvironmenthadbecomeincreasinglyadverseforthepursuitoftheircherishedgoals.The internationalpoliticalscenewasmarredbystrifeandtensionduetoGreat Power policies and practices of domination and interventionaswellastheincreasedresorttothetreatoruseofforce,aggression,occupation, pressure, economic coercion and interference in flagrantviolation of the principles and purposes of the Charter of theUnitedNations.Thearmsrace,particularlythenucleararmsrace,hadescalatedtoapointwhereitjeopardizesthemostfundamentalofallhumanrights-therighttolive.

15. The Heads of State or Government noted with deep disappointmentthatthepromiseheldoutbytheReykjavikSummitcouldnotberealized.They,however,notedwithsatisfactionthattheproposalsmadeattheSummitwerestillon the table.Theyexpressed theearnesthope thatthenegotiationswouldberesumedwithoutdelaysothatadecisivestepcouldbetakentowardsrealizingtheultimategoalofeliminatingnuclearweapons altogether. The Heads of State or government called for theearlyconclusionofaComprehensiveTestBanTreaty.

16. The Heads of State or Government were deeply concerned that theworldeconomycontinuedtobeinthethroesofcrisis,withparticularlyharsh and severe consequences for the economies and developmentprospects and aspirationsof thedeveloping countries. Theyendorsedthe Declaration of the SAARC Ministerial Meeting on InternationalEconomicIssuesheldinIslamabadanditsanalysisoftheexceptionallyadverseexternaleconomicenvironmentwhichretardsthedevelopmentof the South Asian and other developing countries. These negativefactorsincludedepressedcommodityprices,risingprotectionism,globalrecession,lowerexportearnings,netoutflowoffinancialresourcesfromdevelopingcountriesandanaggravateddebtcrisis.



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17. The Heads of State or Government noted that the rates of growth inthe developed countries had turned out to be much lower than whatwasearlierprojectedandthattheprojectionforfuturegrowthinthesecountries was not at all encouraging. They expressed their concern atthe implicationsofthesetrendsforthedevelopmentprospectsofthedeveloping countries. They welcomed the recent recognition by thedeveloped countries that the chronic problems of massive paymentimbalances, high interest rates, unstable exchange rates and highunemploymentarestructuralinnature.Inviewofglobalinterdependence,theco-ordinationofmacro-economicpolicies,contemplatedattheTokyoSummitofthesevenmajorindustrializedcountries,cannotbeeffectivein achieving sustained global economic growth unless it encompassesthedevelopingcountries.

18. TheleadersurgedthattherecentretreatfrommultilateralismshouldbeurgentlyreversedthrougharevivaloftheNorth-Southdialoguewhichisresponsivetothechangedcircumstancesintheworldeconomy.Thismustincludeaprocessofreformofmonetaryandfinancialsystem,throughan International ConferenceonMoney and Finance forDevelopment,andurgentmeasuresforpreservingandstrengtheningthemultilateraltradingsystem.Inthesearchforrevivalofglobalgrowth,prioritymustbeaccorded toexploiting thevastpotential forexpandedproduction,consumptionandtradewhichexists inthedevelopingcountries. Inalltheseendeavours, highpriority shouldbeaccorded to supporting thedevelopmentoftheleastdevelopedcountries,inparticular,throughthefullandeffectiveimplementationoftheSubstantialNewProgrammeofActionfortheLeastDevelopedCountriesforthe1980s.

19. TheHeads of State orGovernment notedwith satisfaction that at theSAARCMinisterialMeetingonInternationalEconomicIssuesanumberofpriorityobjectivesoftheSAARCcountrieshavebeenidentified.Theseinclude: enlarged concessional assistance, the doubling in three yearsof the financial flows for the development of developing countries,melioration of official debts, trade liberalization, especially in textilesand agriculture, commodity price stabilization, transfer of technologyandspecialtreatmentforleastdevelopedSAARCcountries.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthattheSAARCmembersshouldcloselyandregularlyconsultandco-operateinrelevantinternationaleconomicconferencesandinstitutionsinordertopromotetheabovementionedobjectives.TheyrecognisedthatanimportantopportunityinthiscontextwouldbeprovidedbyUNCTADVII.

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20.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthattheforthcomingNewRoundofMultilateralTradeNegotiationsposedachallengefortheircountries as well as an opportunity to accelerate their developmentthroughtheexpansionoftheirexports.Theyunderlinedtheimportanceoftheeffectiveimplementationwithimmediateeffectandcontinuanceuntiltheformalcompletionofthenegotiations,ofthecommitmenttoobserve a standstill on protectionistmeasures and to roll these backundermultilateral surveillance. Theyalsoexpected that theprinciplesoftransparencyanddifferentialandmorefavourabletreatmentforthedeveloping countrieswould be applied systematically and in concreteterms in the negotiations. They decided to concert their positions inthesenegotiationswithaviewtoderivingmaximumbenefitsfromtheminaccordancewiththeirnationalobjectivesandpriorities.

21. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirconvictionthattheBangalore Summit had helped in consolidating the gains of regionalcooperation activities so far undertakenby SAARCwhile, at the sametime,exploringnewavenuesandpossibilitiesforsuchcooperation.TheBangaloreSummithadmadeasignificantcontributiontostrengtheningandstreamliningtheinstitutionalbasisforsuchcooperation.

22. TheHeads of State or Government reiterated their determination andwill to expand and strengthen their cooperation under SAARC. TheyunderlinedtheirbeliefthatSAARCreflectedaresurgenceoftheSouthAsianconsciousnesswhichhadinspiredthepeoplesofthisregionoverseveralmillenia.TheleadersexpressedtheirdeepconvictionthatSouthAsian regional cooperation would not only have a salutary effect onbilateralrelationsbetweenthecountriesoftheregion,butalsoimpartstrengthandstabilitytotheserelations.

23. The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,Nepal,PakistanandSriLankaweredeeplyappreciativeoftheexemplarymannerinwhichthePrimeMinisterofIndiadischargedhisresponsibilitiesasChairmanoftheMeeting.TheyexpressedtheirprofoundgratitudeforthewarmandgracioushospitalityextendedtothembytheGovernmentand people of India and for the excellent arrangements made for theMeeting.



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KATHMANDU DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Third SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 4th November, 1987.

1. ThePresidentofBangladesh,theKingofBhutan,thePrimeMinisterofIndia,thePresidentofMaldives,theKingofNepal,thePrimeMinisterofPakistanandthePresidentofSriLankaassembledfortheThirdSummitof the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) inKathmanduon2-4November,1987.

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledwithpleasurethelaunchingofSAARCwhichmarkedthebeginningofaneweraofregionalcooperationforthepromotionofpeaceandprogress,mutualtrustandgoodwillinSouthAsiaandunderlinedtheimportanceofannualmeetingsattheirlevel,asaprimemover,inconsolidatingandacceleratingthepaceandprocess of overall social, economic and cultural development in theregion. They renewed their commitment to the SAARC Charter. Theyreiteratedtheirdesireofpromotingpeace,stability,amityandprogressin the region throughstrictadherence to theprinciplesof theUnitedNationsCharterandNonalignment,particularlyrespectfortheprinciplesofsovereignequality,territorial integrity,national independence,non-useofforceandnoninterferenceintheinternalaffairsofotherStatesandpeacefulsettlementofdisputes.

3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedthatafundamentalgoalofSAARCwastopromotethewelfareofthepeoplesofSouthAsiaandtoprovidethemwiththeopportunitytoliveindignityandrealisetheirfull potential. They were conscious of the formidable tasks ahead oferadicatingpoverty,hunger,disease, illiteracyandunemploymentandalleviationofenvironmentaldegradationfacingSouthAsiatoday.TheywereconvincedthatthepeoplesandgovernmentsofSouthAsiacould,actinginunison,surmountthesechallenges.

4. The Heads of State or Government expressed their faith in andcommitment to the principles and purposes enshrined in the UnitedNationCharter. They further believed that theUnitedNations has an

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important role to play in promoting universal trust, understandingand concerted actions for the attainment of lasting peace, globaldevelopmentandgeneraldisarmament.TheyreiteratedtheirconcernatthecrisisfacingtheUnitedNations.TheyexpressedtheircommitmenttothemultilateralnegotiatingprocessandcalleduponallstatestohelpstrengthentheUNsystem.TheyreaffirmedtheirbeliefthatSAARCwillreinforcethisprocessbypromotingSouthAsiancooperation.

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoreaffirmedtheirdeepcommitmentto the principles and objectives of the Non-AlignedMovement. Theyunderscored the validity of its philosophy and the historic role theMovementhasbeenplayingandcontinuestoplayinstrengtheningworldpeaceandharmonyaswellas inpromotingdevelopmentwith justiceandequity.Theyalsonotedthatinstitutionalizationandstrengtheningof regional cooperation in South Asia had further nurtured the spiritofSouth-Southcooperationonthebasisofmutualrespect,equityandcommon benefit. They expressed satisfaction over the result of theMinisterial Conference on Nonaligned Countries held in Pyongyang inJune1987andurgedtheNon-alignedandotherdevelopingcountriestotakeactiontoimplementeffectivelythePyongyangDeclarationandPlanofActiononSouth-SouthCooperation.

6. The Heads of State or Government recognised that the externalenvironmenthadacriticalbearingonthedevelopmentoftheeconomiesoftheSouthAsianRegion.TheynotedwithdeepconcernthatgrowthintheworldeconomyhadagainsloweddownwithadverseconsequencesforSouthAsiaandotherdevelopingcountries,especially forthe leastdeveloped and landlocked countries. They observed that equitableparticipation of the developing countries in international trading andeconomic systemsand inarrangements for thecoordinationofglobalmacro economic policies was essential for enhancing prospects andperformanceoftheworldeconomy.

7. TheSouthAsianleadersnotedthattheworldeconomyhadlongsufferedfromastructuraldisequilibrium.Thepaceofglobaleconomicexpansionhad further slowed down. The downward trend in commodity priceshadcontinued.Thenetexportearningshadfallenaggravatingpaymentimbalances in developing countries. The terms of trade had furtherdeterioratedwithenormouslossestodevelopingcountries.Atthesametime,thediminishingfinancialflowstodevelopingcountriesremainedunchanged with contraction in new lendings and growing burdenof debt servicing. In fact there had been a reverse flow of resources



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fromdeveloping to developed countries. The trade conflicts had alsosharpenedwith the rise of protectionism thus furtherweakening theinternational trading system and eroding the principle of special anddifferentialtreatmentinfavourofdevelopingcountries.

8. The Heads of State or Government reiterated the urgent need forresumption of North-South Dialogue with a view to promotingcoordinatedactionsbydevelopedanddevelopingcountriestochanneltradesurplusesfordevelopment,revivegrowthinflaggingeconomies,overcome debt difficulties, expand export access to the developingcountries and stabilise commodity prices, regulate capital flows andexchangeratesmoreclosely,andprovideemergencyreliefandassistanceto the poorest countries. They called for an early convening of theInternationalConferenceonMoneyandFinanceforDevelopment.Theyalso stressed the need for preserving and liberalizing themultilateraltrading system with renewed efforts both within and outside theGATT Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations. They alsounderscoredtheimportanceofthedevelopedcountriesfullyrespectingthecommitmentsmadeinPuntadelEsteon“standstillandrollback”andcalledfortheearlyandeffectiveimplementationofthiscommitment.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoreviewedtheoutcomeofUNCTADVII.TheyhopedthatUNCTADwouldplayanincreasinglyeffectiveroleinpromotingharmoniousandequitableinternationaleconomicrelations.

9. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed the need for specialmeasuresinfavouroftheleastdevelopedcountriesinordertostrengthentheirresourcecapabilitiesandstructuraltransformationandurgedtheinternationalcommunity,inthelightofrecentdecisionsatUNCTADVII,to speed-up tangible assistance including increased resource flows tothesecountrieswithintheframeworkoftheSubstantialNewProgramofAction(SNPA)fortheLeastDevelopedCountriesfor1980s.

10. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedconcernatthedeterioratinginternationalpoliticalenvironmentwhichwasduetogreatpowerpoliciesandpracticesofdominationand interventionaswellas the increasedresort to threat or use of force, aggression, occupation, pressure,economic coercion and interference in violation of the principles andpurposes of the Charter of the United Nations. These destabilisingmeasureswerecreatingaclimatedetrimentaltothepoliciesofpeace,goodwill,stability,prosperityandrespectforeachother.

11. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentbelievedthattheescalationinmilitaryexpenditurewasamajorconstraintonworlddevelopment.Inthisregard

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theynotedthattheUNConferenceonDisarmamentandDevelopmenthadclearlyestablisheda linkbetweendisarmamentanddevelopmentandhadprovidedavaluable framework for futureaction in thisvitalarea.

12. TheywelcomedtheunderstandingreachedbetweentheUnitedStatesandtheSovietUniononIntermediateNuclearForces.Thisshouldbeaprecursorof furtheraccordsbetweenthemtoreducedrastically theirstrategicnuclearmissilesandto refrain fromextending thearmsraceto Outer Space. They called for the early conclusion in the GenevaConference on Disarmament of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty andaConventiontoBanChemicalWeapons.Theydeclaredtheirintentiontocontinuetheireffortstocontributetotherealisationoftheobjectiveof halting the nuclear arms race and eliminating nuclear weapons.Theydeclaredtheirresolvetosupporteveryefforttoconcludeatreatyprohibitingverticalandhorizontalproliferationofnuclearweapons.

13. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepconcernatthefastandcontinuingdegradationoftheenvironment,includingextensivedestructionofforests, intheSouthAsianregion.TheyalsonotedthatSouthAsiawasafflictedwithsuchnaturaldisastersasfloods,droughts,landslides, cyclones, tidalwaveswhich havehad a particularly severeimpact recently, causing immensehuman suffering.At the sametimetheyexpressedconcernoverthedangerposedbytheglobalsealevelrise and its effects on South Asian countries. These natural disastersand the degradation of the environment were severely underminingthe development process and prospects of the member countries.They, therefore,decidedto intensify regionalcooperationwithaviewto strengthening their disaster management capabilities. They alsodecided to commission a study for the protection and preservationof the environment and to the causes and consequences of naturaldisasters inawell-plannedcomprehensiveframework.TheyentrustedtheSecretary-Generalwiththistask.

14. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their conviction thattheregionbeingmostpopulousintheworldandhavingage-oldsocio-cultural links, rich and varied human and natural resources, offeredimmense scope and potential for regional cooperation and that thegrowinginteractionamongitspeoplehadaddedstimulustowardsthisend. They reiterated their determination to pursue their individualandcollectiveeffortsfortheoptimalutilisationofthevasthumananduntappednaturalandothermaterialresources.



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15. The Heads of State or Government reviewed with satisfaction theprogressmade so far in the implementationof the SAARC IntegratedProgrammeofActionandemphasisedtheneedtofurtherconsolidateandstreamlinetheprocess.Theywereconsciousoftheneedtoexercisegreaterdiscretionintheselectionofactivitiesindifferentsectors.Theytook note of the criteria and procedures relating to administrativestructuringandfinancingofregionalinstitutionsendorsedbytheSAARCCouncil of Ministers. They directed that the establishment of suchregionalinstitutionsshouldproceedonlyaftertakingintoaccounttheirviabilityandbenefitstothemembercountrieswithdueconsiderationtoeconomyandefficiency.

16. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at thelaunching of the SAARC Audio Visual Exchange programme coincidingwiththeopeningoftheThirdSAARCSummitinKathmandu.Whiletakingnoteof thedates for the institutionof the SAARCChairs, FellowshipsandScholarshipsandthecommencementofOrganisedTourismamongSAARCmembercountries,theydirectedthattheschemesfortheSAARCDocumentationCentreandtheSAARCYouthVolunteerProgrammebeimplementedattheearliest.

17. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthesigningoftheAgreementestablishingaSouthAsianFoodSecurityReserveandexpressed confidence that this will provide a much-needed cushionagainstfoodshortagesandscarcitysituationsintheregion.

18. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedhappinessatthesigningof the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism andconsidered it a historic step towards the prevention and eliminationof terrorism from the region. In this regard, they also reiterated theirunequivocalcondemnationofallacts,methodsandpracticeofterrorismascriminalandexpressedtheirabhorrenceoftheir impactonlifeandproperty, socio -economic development, political stability, regionalpeaceandcooperation.

19. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheiragreementtoexpandSAARC activities in other concrete areas of cooperation in order toensuremoretangiblebenefitsfromSAARCtothepeoplesoftheregion.Theywereconvinced that regional cooperationcouldbeconsolidatedandexpandedonthebasisofgrowingregionalcomplementaritiesandinterdependence.TheybelievedthattheSAARClong-termperspectiveshould, therefore, focus on measures to expand and strengthen

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such areas of regional complementarities and interdependence notonly through formulation and implementation of more concrete andaction-orientedprogrammesbutalsothroughcoordinationofnationalpoliciesandapproachesforfindingcommonsolutionstotheircommonproblems.

20. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthefirstannualreviewoftheSituationofChildrenintheSAARCmembercountries.TheyreiteratedtheircommitmentmadeintheBangaloreDeclarationtoaccordhighestprioritytotheneedsofchildreninnationaldevelopmentplanningandemphasisedthatmoreintensifiedactionshouldbetakenforthewelfareandwell-beingofchildren.TheyfurtherreiteratedtheircallforanearlyconclusionandadoptionofaUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild.

21.The Heads of State or Government expressed their satisfaction at theestablishment of the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, strengtheningfurthertheprocessofregionalcooperationinSouthAsia.TheyexpressedtheirgratitudetoHisMajestyKingBirendraBirBikramShahDevformostgraciouslyinauguratingtheSAARCSecretariat.

22.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereconsciousoftheaspirationsofthepeoplesofSouthAsiatocommunicateandcooperatewitheachotheratthepeople-to-peoplelevel.Theyrecognisedthatacademics,researchers,non-governmentalorganizationsandothershaveanimportantroletoplayinpromotingtheSAARCspiritandgivingimpetustoregionalprogrammesandprojects.Theyfurtherobservedthattheinterestandenthusiasmsofardemonstratedbytheincreasedinteractionsandexchangeofinformationattheinter-governmentallevelshouldbecapitalisedandtranslatedintotangible programmes and projects. They recognised the vast potentialforthegenerationoffriendship,goodwillandtrustthroughinteractionsbetweenthepeopleswhichwouldfosterharmoniousrelationsinSouthAsia.

23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepconvictionthattheKathmanduSummithasfurtherconsolidatedthegainsofSAARCandgiven a renewed thrust and direction to the future course of regionalcooperation.TheywerealsoconvincedthattheKathmanduSummithashelpedtocreateanatmosphereconducivetostrengtheningthisprocess,besidesgenerating furthergoodwill and friendshipamong themembercountriesinthelargerinterestoftheregion.



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24.The Heads of State or Government were conscious that SAARC shouldbe increasingly oriented to the people’s needs and aspirations so thatthe masses of the region could be drawn to a greater extent into themainstreamofSAARCactivities.This,theyfirmlyheld,wouldhelpbringaboutaqualitativeimprovementinthegeneralatmosphereoftheregioncontributingtopeace,friendshipandcooperationintheareas.

25.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their firm commitmentto the spirit andobjectiveswithwhich the SouthAsianAssociation forRegionalCooperationwas launchedandreaffirmedtheirdeterminationto work, individually and collectively, towards the attainment of theseobjectives.

26.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofBangladesh,Bhutan,India,Maldives,PakistanandSriLankaweredeeplyappreciativeoftheexemplarymannerinwhichHisMajestytheKingofNepaldischargedhisresponsibilitiesasChairman of theMeeting. They expressed their profound gratitude forthe warm and gracious hospitality extended to them by His Majesty’sGovernmentandthepeopleofNepalandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.

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ISLAMABAD DECLARATION The Declaration of the Fourth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 31st December, 1988.

1. ThePresidentofBangladesh,theKingofBhutan,thePrimeMinisterofIndia,thePresidentofMaldives,theKingofNepal,thePrimeMinisterofPakistanandthePresidentofSriLankametattheFourthSummitoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationatIslamabadfrom29-31December,1988.

2. TheHeadsofStateofGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepsatisfactionattheprogress achievedby theAssociation since the last Summit. TheyreiteratedtheircommitmenttotheSAARCCharterandrenewedtheirdetermination to cooperate in promoting the welfare of the peoplesof South Asia and to improving their quality of life by eradicatingpoverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, unemployment and environmentaldegradation.

3. They recalled that their countries were linked by cultural, social andhistorical ties and they had at their disposal substantial human andnatural resources. They recognised that these provided a sound basisas well as immense opportunities for regional cooperation. Theythereforeexpressed theirdetermination tomakeoptimaluseof theirresources for thebenefitof theirpeoplebyworking jointly topursuetheirsharedobjectives.Theywereawarethatbyactinginconcerttheycouldrealisethefullpotentialforregionalprogress,takingintoaccountcomplementaritiesandgrowinginter-dependence.

4. TheleadersendorsedthedecisionoftheCouncilofMinistersthatanycountryintheregionsubscribingtotheobjectivesandprinciplesoftheSAARCChartermaybeadmittedasamemberof theAssociationbyaunanimousdecisionoftheHeadsofStateofGovernment.

5. TheHeadsofStateofGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionattheprogresssofarmadeintheimplementationoftheSAARCIntegratedProgrammeofAction.Theyunderlinedtheneedforclosercooperationintheactivitiesundertakenunderthisprogramme.Theytooknoteofthemeasuresto



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streamlineand re-orient variousSAARCactivities tomake themmoreaction-orientedsoastoimprovethequalityoflifeoftheirpeoples.Theydirected that the Secretary General may submit recommendation totheStandingCommitteewhichshouldinturndecidehowtostreamlineSAARC activities andmake themmore effective. They welcomed theestablishmentof theSAARCAgricultural InformationCentre (SAIC), aswell as the steps being taken for the establishment of other regionalinstitutions.

6. TheHeadsof StateofGovernment lauded the smooth functioningoftheSAARCAudioVisualExchange(SAVE)Programmewhichhadprovedto be a useful medium for promoting a South Asian consciousnessamongstthepeoplesoftheregion.TheydecidedthatSAVEProgrammesshouldalsoemphasisesocial,economicandtechnicalthemes.TheyalsonotedwithsatisfactionthesuccessfullaunchingoftheYouthVolunteersProgrammeandtheSAARCChairs,FellowshipsandScholarshipsScheme.They decided that Education may be included as an agreed area ofcooperation.

7. TheHeadsofStateofGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionthattheSouthAsianFoodSecurityReservehadbecomeoperationalon12August1988.TheReservewouldserveasacushionagainstfoodshortagesandwasatangiblemanifestationofthespiritofcooperationintheregion.

8. TheHeadsofStateofGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthattheSAARCConventiononSuppressionofTerrorismhadbeenratifiedandhadcomeintoeffecton22August1988,thusreflectingthesinceredesireonthepart of the Member States to enter into meaningful cooperation toeliminate the scourge of terrorism from the South Asian region. Theycalled for the adoption of enabling measures by Member States toimplementtheConventionattheearliest.

9. The Heads of State of Government expressed grave concern over thegrowingmagnitudeandtheseriouseffectsofdrugabuse,particularlyamongyoungpeople,anddrugtrafficking.Theyrecognisedtheneedforurgentandeffectivemeasurestoeradicatethiseviladdecidedtodeclaretheyear1989asthe“SAARCYearforCombatingDrugAbuseandDrugTrafficking”.Theyagreedtolaunchaconcertedcampaign,assuitedtothesituation in their respectivecountries, to significantlyaugmentSAARCefforts to eliminate drug abuse and drug trafficking. These includedcloser cooperation in creating a greater awareness of the hazards ofdrugabuse,exchangeofexpertise,sharingofintelligenceinformation,

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stringentmeasurestostoptraffickingindrugsandintroductionofmoreeffective laws.Theydirected that theTechnicalCommitteeconcernedshould examine the possibility of a Regional Convention on DrugControl.

10. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepsenseofsorrowandprofoundsympathyatthelossofvaluablelivesandextensivedamageto property sufferedduring the year byBangladesh, India,Nepal andPakistanasaresultofunprecedentedfloods,cyclonesandearthquakes.In this connection, they recalled their earlier decision at Kathmanduin November, 1987 to intensify regional cooperation with a view tostrengtheningtheirdisastermanagementcapabilitiesandtooknoteoftherecommendationsofthemeetingoftheSAARCGroupofExpertsontheStudyontheCausesandConsequencesofNaturalDisastersandtheProtectionandPreservationoftheEnvironment,thatmetinKathmanduin July 1988. They expressed the conviction that identification ofmeasuresandprogrammesasenvisagedbytheGroupofExpertswouldsupplementnational,bilateral,regionalandglobaleffortstodealwiththeincreasinglyseriousproblemsbeingfacedbytheregionasaresultoftherecurrenceofnaturaldisastersandthecontinuingdegradationoftheenvironment.TheyurgedthatthestudyshouldbecompletedintheshortestperiodoftimesothatitcouldprovideabasisforthemembercountriestodrawupanactionplanformeaningfulcooperationamongsttheMemberStates.Theydecidedthatajointstudybeundertakenonthe“GreenhouseEffect”anditsimpactontheregion.

11. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction thatmodalitiesforstudiestobecarriedoutforcooperationintheareasoftrade,manufacturesandserviceshadbeenworkedoutbyaGroupofExperts, which met in Islamabad recently. They emphasised the needfor the completion of the studies within the agreed time schedule.TheydirectedthattheFourthMeetingofPlannersshouldexaminethepossibility of cooperation in agreedareasof trade,manufactures andservices, which would promote the objectives of meeting the basicneedsofthepeoplesoftheregion.ThereportofthePlannersshouldbeconsideredatthenextCouncilofMinistersmeeting,withaviewtomakingspecificrecommendationstothenextSummit.

12. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreviewedtheprogressontheSituationofChildreninSAARCcountries.TheyreiteratedtheircommitmentmadeintheBangaloreDeclarationtoaccordthehighestprioritytotheneedsof children in national development planning and stressed that the



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conceptofHumanResourceDevelopmentshouldlayparticularemphasisonthewelfareandwell-beingofchildren,especiallyintheliteracyandhealthspheres.TheycalledfortheconclusionandadoptionoftheUNConventionontheRightsoftheChildin1989.Theydecidedtodeclare1990asthe“SAARCYearoftheGirlChild”.

13. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheeffectivefunctioningoftheSAARCSecretariatanditsroleincoordinatingSAARCactivities. They also noted that a Headquarters Agreement had beensignedbetweentheSecretariatandthehostGovernment.TheythankedHisMajesty’sGovernmentofNepalfortheassistanceandcooperationextendedtotheSecretariat.

14. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnoted that thedecision to involveregionalNGOsorprofessionalbodies inSAARCactivities, takenat theFifth Session of the Council of Ministers, pursuant to the directiongiven by the KathmanduDeclaration,was an important step towardsthe promotion of people-to-people contact which has always beenemphasisedbytheAssociation.

15. The Heads of State or Government stressed the need for closer andmorefrequentcontactsamongthepeoplesofSAARC.Asabeginning,theydecidedthatSupremeCourtJudgesandMembersoftheNationalParliaments of each member State would be entitled to a specialSAARC travel document which would exempt them from visas. Theyfurther directed the Council of Ministers to examine what othercategoriesofpersons should begiven this facilityand to submit theirrecommendations.

16. TheyfurthernotedwithsatisfactionthemandategiventotheSecretaryGeneralbytheCouncilofMinistersatitsFifthSessiononthequestionofcontactingorganisationswithsimilaraimsandpurposes.

17. The Heads of State or Government expressed their determination togive concrete shape to the objectives of SAARC. In this context theyemphasisedtheneedtoprogressivelycarryoutSAARCactivitieswithinabroadframeworkofa long-termperspectiveandtoharmonizetheirefforts to ensure tangible benefits to the peoples of South Asia as awhole.Theywereconscious of the fact thatall SouthAsiancountriesfacedproblemsinvaryingdegreesinareassuchasfood,clothing,shelter,education,primaryhealthcare,populationplanningandenvironmentalprotection. Towards this end theywere of the view that allMemberStatesshouldidentityareasofcoreinterestintheirnationalperspectiveplansorpreparesuchplansandconsolidatethemintoaregionalplanto

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becalled“SAARC-2000:ABasicNeedsPerspective”,withspecifictargetstobemetbytheendofthecentury.

18. TheyrecognisedthatHumanResourceDevelopmentisoneofthemeansof realizing these objectives. In this context theywelcomed the offerof the Government of Pakistan to host a Centre for Human ResourceDevelopmentanddirectedtheSecretary-GeneraltosetupaGroupofExpertsfromMemberStatestoexaminetheproposalonthebasisofapapertobepreparedbytheGovernmentofPakistanandtosubmititsrecommendationstotheStandingCommittee.

19. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheirabidingcommitmenttothepurposesandprinciplesenshrinedintheUNCharter,particularlythose enjoining respect for the sovereign equality, territorial integrityand national independence, non-use or threat of use of force, non-interferenceintheinternalaffairsofotherstatesandpeacefulsettlementofalldisputes.TheyreiteratedtheirfaithintheUnitedNationsasthemostimportantforumforthemaintenanceofinternationalpeaceandsecurityandforthepromotionofinternationalcooperationaimedattheprogressandprosperityofmankind.

20. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontherelaxationofglobaltensionsthroughintensifiedsuper-powerdialogueonabroadrangeof international issuesandwelcomed theprogress towards theresolution of protracted regional disputes and conflicts. They agreedthatthesedevelopmentshadenhancedtheprospectsfordisarmament,security,peaceandprogressforallpeoplesoftheworld.TheyappreciatedtheimportantroleplayedbytheUnitedNationsinbringingaboutthesepositive changes in the international political environment. They alsocalleduponallStatestostrengthenthecapacityoftheUNsysteminallrespectstoachievethepurposeoftheUNCharter.

21. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirdeepcommitmentto the principles and objectives of the Non-alignedMovement as animportantforceforstrengtheningworldpeaceandharmonyaswellasforpromotingdevelopmentwithjusticeandequity.Inthiscontexttheyexpressed satisfaction over the results of the Ministerial Conferenceof theNon-alignedMovementheld inCyprus inSeptember1988andexpressedthehopethedecisionsof theConferencewouldcontributeto the reduction of tensions and to the promotion of development.They hoped that the current discussions on the improvement inthe methodology of the Non-Aligned Movement would result instrengtheningthemovementandenableittoplayitsrolewithgreatereffectiveness.



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22. The Heads of State or Government believed that the escalation inmilitaryexpenditurewasamajorconstraintonworlddevelopment.Inthis regard they noted that the UN Conference on Disarmament andDevelopmenthadclearlyestablishedalinkbetweendisarmamentanddevelopmentandhadprovidedavaluableframeworkforfutureactioninthisvitalarea.Theyurgedthatresourcessavedthroughdisarmamentmeasures shouldbediverted inparticular todeveloping countries fordevelopment.

23. They welcomed the agreement between the United States and theSoviet Union on Intermediate Nuclear Force. They hoped this wouldbeaprecursor to furtheraccords to reduce strategicnucleararsenalsdrasticallyandtopreventanarmsraceinOuterSpace.Theycalledforthe early conclusion in theGeneva Conferenceon Disarmamentof aComprehensive Test Ban Treaty and a Convention to Ban ChemicalWeapons. They declared their intention to continue their efforts tocontribute to the realization of the objective of halting the nucleararmsraceandeliminatingnuclearweapons.Theydeclaredtheirresolveto support every effort to conclude a treaty prohibiting vertical andhorizontalproliferationofnuclearweapons.

24. The Heads of State or Government noted with deep concern thecontinued structural disequilibrium from which the world economyhadlongsuffered.Thishadresultedinslowergrowthinthedevelopingcountries, downward trends in commodity prices, decline in the netexportearningsof thedevelopingcountriesanddeterioration in theirtermsoftrade.Thesedevelopmentscombinedwiththeoverwhelmingdebt burdens, the reverse financial flows from the developing to thedevelopedcountriesandthesharpriseofprotectionisminthedevelopedworldhadfurtheraggravatedtheeconomicdifficultiesofthedevelopingcountries.

25. The Heads of State or Government emphasised the interdependentcharacter of the economies of the developed and the developingcountries.TheycalledfortheresumptionoftheNorth-SouthdialoguewithaviewtorestructuringtheinternationaleconomicsystemandtoestablishingtheNewInternationalEconomicOrderbasedonjusticeandequity. They called for coordinated actions by thedeveloped and thedevelopingcountiestoincreasethenetflowofdevelopmentalassistance,overcomedebtdifficulties,expandtheaccessofthedevelopingcountriestothemarketsindevelopedcountries,arrestthedeteriorationintermsoftradeofthedevelopingcountriesandstabilizecommodityprices.

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26. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheneed forpreservingandliberalizingthemultilateraltradingsystemwithrenewedeffortsbothwithinandoutsidetheUruguayRoundofMultilateralTradeNegotiations.TheyalsounderscoredtheimportanceofthedevelopedcountriesfullyrespectingandimplementingthecommitmentsmadeinPuntadelEsteon“standstillandrollback”arrangements.Theyexpressedconcernthatonaccountofdifferencesbetweenmajortradingentitiesonthequestionofagriculturalsubsidies,theMontrealMeetingonthemidtermreviewoftheUruguayroundwasinconclusive.TheyparticularlyregrettedthattherewasnoprogressinthenegotiationsonissuesofmajorinteresttodevelopingcountriessuchastradeintextilesandaSafeguardSystem.Theyweredisappointedthatonsomeoftheissuesofinteresttodevelopingcountriesonwhichtherewasagreement,particularlytropicalproducts,itwouldnotbepossibleeventoimplementthedecisionstaken,fromthebeginningof1989asenvisaged.Theyemphasisedthatthedevelopmentdimensionmustbetakenintoaccountinthenegotiationsonnewissues,particularlyservicesandintellectualpropertyrights.Theyagreedtotakeconcertedactiontothisendintheforthcomingnegotiations.

27. The Heads of State or Government fully supported the call for theinitiation of a comprehensive process for the preparation of anInternational Development Strategy for the Fourth United NationsDevelopment Decade as well as the proposal of the Group of 77 forconveningaSpecialSessionoftheGeneralAssemblyin1990torevivegrowthanddevelopmentinthedevelopingcountries.

28. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreemphasizedtheneedforincreasedresourceflowsand specialmeasures in favourof the leastdevelopedcountrieswithintheFrameworkoftheSubstantialNewProgrammeofAction (SNPA) for thesecountries.Theysupported theconveningofahighlevelUnitedNationsConferenceontheleastdevelopedcountriesin 1990 to review progress and formulate national and internationalpoliciesandmeasuresforacceleratingthedevelopmentprocessintheleastdevelopedcountriesduringthe1990s,especiallyinordertohelpthemachievetheirlongtermsocio-economicobjectives.

29. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofBangladesh,Bhutan,India,Maldives,NepalandSriLankaexpressedtheirdeepappreciationfortheexemplarymannerinwhichPrimeMinisterofPakistanchairedthemeeting.TheyexpressedtheirprofoundgratitudefortheexcellentarrangementsmadeforthemeetingandforthewarmandgeneroushospitalityextendedtothembytheGovernmentandthepeopleofPakistan.



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MALÉ DECLARATION The Declaration of the Fifth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 23rd November, 1990.

1. The President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His ExcellencyMr.HussainMuhammadErshad, theKingofBhutan,HisMajestyKingJigmeSingyeWangchuck,thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyMr.ChandraShekhar,thePresidentoftheRepublicofMaldives,HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom,thePrimeMinisterofNepal,TheRightHonourableKrishnaPrasadBhattarai,thePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.MohammadNawazSharifandthePrimeMinisteroftheDemocraticSocialistRepublicofSriLanka,HisExcellencyMr.DingiriBandaWijetungametattheFifthSummitoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationatMale’on21-23November,1990.

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedthatcooperationamongthecountriesofSouthAsiawasnecessaryforimprovingthequalityoflifeofthepeoplesoftheregion.TheyrecalledtheirconvictionthattheobjectivesofpeaceandstabilityinSouthAsiacouldbebestservedbyfostering mutual understanding, cooperation and good neighbourlyrelations. They reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes andprinciplesoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperationandrenewedtheirresolvetointensifycooperationunderitsaegisinpursuitoftheircommonobjectives.

3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheirdesiretopromotepeace,stability,amityandprogressintheregionthroughstrictadherencetotheprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsCharterandtheNon-alignedMovement,particularly respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorialintegrity,national independence,non-useofforce,non-interference intheinternalaffairsofotherStatesandpeacefulsettlementofdisputes.

4. The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction that thelaunching of SAARC in 1985 and the initiatives under the IntegratedProgrammeof Action for strengthening regional cooperation in SouthAsia had generated much enthusiasm and hope in their peoples, andthattheSouthAsianconsciousnessnecessaryforthesuccessofregional

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cooperationwasgraduallypermeatingtheregion.Theyreiteratedtheirresolvetomakeoptimaluseofthepositiveforcesofgood-will,trustandunderstandingexistingamong theirpeoplesand to turnSAARC intoadynamic instrument for achieving its objectives and creating anorderbasedonmutualrespect,equity,cooperationandsharedbenefits.

5. The Heads of State or Government reviewed the status of children inSouth Asia and noted that the recent World Summit for Children hadimpartedanewimpetustotheongoingeffortsinthisfield.TheybelievedthatrelevantrecommendationsoftheWorldSummitcouldbeusefullyincorporated into a Plan of Action in the South Asian context and itsimplementation should be reviewed annually. The guidelines for suchPlanofActioncouldbepreparedbyapanelofexpertstobeappointedbytheSecretary-GeneralandexaminedbytheTechnicalCommitteeonHealthandPopulationActivities.TheyalsowelcomedtheadoptionoftheConventionontheRightsoftheChildanditsentryintoforce.Theyexpressed the hope that those Member States, who have not alreadybecomepartytotheConvention,woulddosoatanearlydate.

6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentendorsedtherecommendationsmadebytheSecondSAARCMinisterialMeetingonWomeninDevelopmentheldinIslamabadinJune1990.TheynotedwithsatisfactiontheenthusiasticresponseinallMemberStatestotheircollectivecallfortheobservanceof1990asthe“SAARCYearoftheGirlChild”.TheydecidedthatinordertomaintainfocusontheproblemsoftheGirlChild,theyears1991-2000ADshouldbeobservedasthe“SAARCDecadeoftheGirlChild”.

7. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthegrowingregionalcooperationincombatingtheproblemsofdrugtraffickinganddrugabuse.Theyexpressedseriousconcernoverthegrowinglinkagesbetween drug trafficking and international arms trade and terroristactivities. They agreed that observance of 1989 as the “SAARC Yearfor Combating Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking” had had a profoundimpact in drawing attention to the menace and to the need for itselimination. Theyexpressed satisfaction that following thedecisionofthe Fourth SAARC Summit, the SAARC Convention on Narcotic DrugsandPsychotropicSubstanceshadbeensignedatMale’.TheyurgedtheMemberStates to takeearlymeasures to ratify theconvention for itsentryintoforce.TheywereconvincedthattheConventionwouldhelpinmakingSAARCeffortsinthisareamoreeffective.

8. TheyendorsedthedecisionoftheCouncilofMinistersinregardtothetimeframe for completion of the Regional Study on the Causes andConsequencesofNaturalDisastersandtheProtectionandPreservation



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oftheEnvironment.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthatthemethodologyforundertakingtheStudyonthe`GreenhouseEffect’anditsimpactontheregionwaslikelytobefinalizedinthenearfutureanddesiredthattheStudyitselfbecompletedforconsiderationattheSixthSummit.Inthis context, theynoted that thedestructionof rainforests, theworldover,wascontributingsignificantlytoadverseclimaticchangesandthisaspect should also be covered in the proposed Study. They expressedthehopethattheseStudieswouldleadtoanactionplanformeaningfulcooperationinthefieldofEnvironmentandDisasterManagement.

9. Recognizingthatenvironmenthademergedasamajorglobalconcern,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithalarmtheunprecedentedclimaticchangespredictedbytheInter-governmentalPanelonClimateChange (IPCC). They urged the international community to mobilizeadditional finances and tomakeavailable appropriate technologies toenablethedevelopingcountriestofacethenewchallengesarisingfromclimatechangesandsea-levelrise.TheyagreedthatMemberCountriesshouldcoordinatetheirpositionsatinternationalforaonthisissue.Theyalsodecidedtoobserve1992asthe“SAARCYearofEnvironment”.

10. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthatthenationalstudiesonTrade,ManufacturesandServiceshadbeencompleted.TheyunderlinedtheneedforexpeditiousactionforcompletingtheRegionalStudywithinthetimeframestipulatedbytheCouncilofMinisters.Theyexpressedthehopethatitwouldopennewavenuesofcooperationfortheprosperityofthepeoplesoftheregion.

11. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentapprovedtherecommendationsoftheCouncilofMinistersregardingSpecialSAARCTravelDocumentanddecidedtolaunchthescheme.

12. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedconcernthatMemberStateswerecompelledtodiverttheirscarceresourcesincombatingterrorism.They called for expeditious enactment of enabling measures for theimplementationof the SAARCRegional Conventionon Suppression ofTerrorism.TheyalsourgedMemberStatestocontinuetocooperateinaccordancewiththeConvention.

13. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatastheircountriesstoodonthethresholdofthenextmillennium,theworldwasundergoingprofoundtransformationscharacterisedbypopularupsurgefordemocracy,libertyand exercise of human rights, lowering of ideological barriers and therelaxation of global tensions and progress towards disarmament andtheresolutionofanumberofregionalandglobalconflicts.Therewas

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also a welcome trend towards the opening up of the global economyandintegrationofnationaleconomiesintothemainstreamoftheworldeconomy.Theyfurthernotedthetrendofincreasingintegrationofthepatternofglobalproduction,consumptionandtrade,growingmultipolarityoftheworldeconomicstructureandintegrationofthemarketsofthedeveloped countries in order to maintain their technological lead andcompetitiveedge.ThesechangespresentednewchallengesandopenedupnewopportunitiestotheSouthAsiancountries,astotherestofthedeveloping world. The Heads of State or Government were convincedthattheirmutualcooperationcanbeacriticalfactorinenablingthemtopursuetheseobjectivesmoreeffectively.

14. The Heads of State or Government, noting the vital importance ofbio-technologyforthelong-termfoodsecurityofdevelopingcountriesaswellasformedicinalpurposes,decidedthatcooperationshouldbeextended to this field and, in particular, to the exchange of expertisein genetic conservation and maintenance of germplasm banks. Inthis connection, they welcomed India’s offer of training facilities andagreedthatcooperationinthecataloguingofgeneticresourcesstoredindifferentSAARCcountrieswouldbemutuallybeneficial.Takingnoteof the proposal made by the Group of Fifteen Developing Countries(G-15) for theestablishmentof a genebank fordeveloping countries,theyagreedtoparticipateinthisventure.

15. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the idea of setting upof a Fund for regional projects which could make available credit oneasytermsfortheidentificationanddevelopmentofregionalprojects.They agreed that representatives of the national development banksoftheMemberCountriesshouldgettogethertoworkouttheprecisemodalitiesforthesourceoffundsandthemannerinwhichthesecouldberelatedtojointventureprojects.TheyacceptedIndia’soffertohostthismeeting.

16. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentregardedtherecentdevelopmentsintheGulfasthemostunfortunateaberrationfromthepresenttrendofdetente,cooperationandpeacefulsettlementofdisputes.TheyreaffirmedtheiradherencetoUNSecurityCouncilResolutionsonthisissue.Whileemphasizingtheneedforapeacefulsolutionoftheissue,theycalledforimmediateandunconditionalwithdrawalofIraqiforcesfromKuwaitandtherestorationofitslegitimateGovernment.TheystatedthattheGulfcrisishaddealtasevereblowtotheireconomies.Theyneededmassiveinternationalassistancetocompensatethelosssufferedbythemduetoasharpdeclineinremittances,setbacktotheirexportsandseverestrain



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ontheirbalanceofpaymentspositionimposedbyincreasedoilprices.Theyrecognizedthepotentialityofcooperationamongthemselvesformitigatingtheimpactoftheseadverseconsequences.

17. The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction that theinitiative of the Government of the Maldives for the Protection andSecurityofSmallStatesattheUNin1989,whichtheyallsupported,hadalso received overwhelming support of the international community.They agreed that, because of their particular problems, small statesmeritedspecialmeasuresofsupportinsafeguardingtheirindependenceandterritorialintegrity.

18. The Heads of State or Government expressed the hope that the talksbetween the two Super Powers on arms control would culminatein the conclusion of an agreement for substantial reduction in theirnuclear arsenals leading to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.While welcoming the measures being considered for arms reductionat the global level, they were convinced that the objective could bebest achieved through the promotion ofmutual trust and confidenceamong theMemberStates. Theyunderlined the inherent relationshipbetweendisarmamentanddevelopmentandcalleduponallcountries,especially those possessing the largest nuclear and conventionalarsenals, to rechannel additional financial resources, human energyandcreativity intodevelopment.Theyexpressed their support for thebanningofchemicalweaponsandearlyconclusionofaComprehensiveTestBanTreaty.Inthiscontext,theywelcomedtheconveningoftheUNConferenceinJanuary1991toconsideramendmentstothePartialTestBanTreatytoconvertitintoaComprehensiveNuclearTestBanTreaty.

19. The Heads of State or Government expressed concern that theinternational economic environment for thedeveloping countries hadbeen characterised by negative resource flows, high trade barriers,serious external debt problems and high interest rates. The need ofSAARC countries for increased concessional resources and technologyaswellasaccess tomarkets for theirexportscouldnot, therefore,beunder-estimated.TheycalledforcollectiveeffortsbasedonmutualityofinterestandfeltthatregularNorth-Southconsultationswereessentialforensuringequitablemanagementofglobalinterdependence.

20. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledtheusefulnessoftheFirstMinisterialMeetingonInternationalEconomicIssuesheldinIslamabadin1986.TheyagreedthatthesecondsuchMinisterialMeetingbeheldin India in 1991 to review the outcome of the Uruguay Round and to

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coordinate positions at international conferences including the U.N.ConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopment,1992.

21. Notwithstanding the continuing efforts on the international economicplane,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasisedthepressingneedfortheMinisterialMeetingtoaddressitselfvigorouslytotheobjectiveof self-reliance. They directed the Ministers to prepare a strategy formobilising regional resources which would encourage and strengthenindividualandcollectiveself-relianceintheregion.

22. The Heads of State or Government expressed their support for theParisDeclaration(1990)andtheProgrammeofActionadoptedbytheSecondUnitedNationsConferenceon theLeastDevelopedCountries.They called upon the international community to contribute to thesuccessful implementation of the Programme of Action which is ofspecialimportanceforthesocio-economicdevelopmentoftheregion.

23. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedtheimperativeneedforprovidingabetterhabitattothepeoplesofSouthAsiathroughoptimumutilization of indigenous technology, know-how and material, anddecidedthat1991beobservedasthe“SAARCYearofShelter”.

24. The Heads of State or Government noted that millions of disabledpersonslivedintheSAARCregionandimmediateactionwasrequiredtoreducetheirsufferingsandtoimprovetheirqualityoflife.Theydecidedtoobserve1993asthe“SAARCYearofDisabledPersons”.

25. The Heads of State or Government were particularly happy that theFifthSAARCSummitcoincidedwiththeTwentyFifthAnniversaryoftheIndependenceoftheMaldiveswhichprovidedthemwiththeopportunityto express their solidarity with the people and the Government oftheMaldives. They expressed their conviction that theMale’ Summithad helped in consolidating the gains of regional cooperation and instrengtheningtheinstitutionalbaseofSAARC.

26. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentgratefullyacceptedtheofferoftheGovernmentofSriLankatohosttheSixthSAARCSummitin1991.

27. The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,Nepal,PakistanandSriLankaexpressedtheirdeepappreciationfortheexemplarymannerinwhichthePresidentoftheMaldiveshaddischargedhis responsibilities as Chairman of theMeeting. They expressed theirprofoundgratitude for thewarmandgracioushospitalityextended tothemby theGovernmentand thepeopleof theMaldivesand for theexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.



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COLOMBO DECLARATION The Declaration of the Sixth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 21st December, 1991.

INTRODUCTION

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencyBegumKhaleda Zia; theKingof Bhutan,HisMajestyKing JigmeSingyeWangchuck; thePrimeMinisterof theRepublicof India,HisExcellencyShri Narasimha Rao; the President of the Republic of Maldives, HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom;thePrimeMinisterofNepal,theRt.Hon.GirijaPrasadKoirala;thePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMianMohammedNawazSharifandthePresidentoftheDemocraticSocialistRepublicofSriLanka,HisExcellencyRanasinghePremadasametat theSixthSummitof theSouthAsianAssociation forRegionalCooperation(SAARC)atColombo,SriLankaon21stDecember,1991.

REGIONAL COOPERATION

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttotheprinciplesandobjectivesenshrinedintheCharterofSAARC.Theyresolvedtopromoteregionalcooperationforthebenefitoftheirpeople,inaspiritofmutualaccommodation,withfullrespectfortheprinciplesofsovereignequality, independenceandterritorial integrityofallStatesandinstrictadherencetotheprinciplesofnon-useofforce,thepeacefulsettlementof disputes and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. TheyalsoreiteratedtheircommitmenttotheprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsCharterandtheNon-alignedMovement.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ISSUES

3. The Heads of State or Government emphasised the vital importanceof assessing the nature and extent of international economicinter-dependenceandoftheneedforrevivingtheNorth/Southdialogue.Theynotedtherecentdevelopmentsthathadradicallytransformedtheinternational development relationship deeply affecting the prospectsfor the economies of the seven SAARC countries. The Heads of State

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or Government emphasised the need for vigorously promoting South-South economic cooperation to off-set the negative consequences ofinternationaleconomicdevelopments.

4. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoexchangedviewsontheprioritiesof their respective national economies. They identified, for the furtherdevelopment of their economies, the importance of securing lessrestrictivetradingandmarketingopportunitiesfortheirproducts,moreextensivetechnologyandresourcetransferstoSouthAsia,debtreliefandaccessonfavourableandonmoreconcessionaltermstoresourcesfrommultilateralfinancialinstitutions.Theyagreedtokeepanopendialogueontheseaspectsthroughmutualconsultations.

INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

5. The Heads of State or Government assessed current internationaldevelopments in the political sphere particularly those that affectedthe lives of the people of South Asia. They noted the changing powerstructures in internationalrelationsandthereductionofconfrontationsandtensions,particularlyamongtheSuperPowers.Thesehavecontributedtotherecedingofthethreatofnuclearconfrontationandtoagreementsondisarmamentmeasures.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenthopedthatthese developments would restrain the pursuit of military power in allareasoftheworld.Theyexpressedthehopethatthepeacedividendwouldbeusedforpromotingfurtherdevelopmentofdevelopingcountries.TheywelcomedthetrendtowardspopularlybaseddemocraticgovernmentsindifferentpartsoftheworldincludinginSouthAsia.

6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentobservedhoweverthatsomepoliticalissues in particular the Palestine question, the final elimination ofApartheidaswellasotherproblemsremainedunresolveddespiteeffortstowardstheirsettlement.

7. Inregardtohumanrights, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentobservedthat civil andpolitical rightson theonehandandeconomicand socialrightsontheotherareinter-dependentandofequalimportanceHumanrights issues should not therefore be viewed in narrow and exclusivelypoliticalterms.Inthiscontexttheyunderlinedtheneedtoviewtheeffortsof States to guarantee human rights in their full context, through thepursuitofdevelopmentforallcitizensinconditionsofstability,whichinturnguaranteestheenjoymentofhumanrightsofallpersons.



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8. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwhilereaffirmingtheircommitmentto democracy, human rights and the rule of law, emphasised the needto ensure that development remains at the centre of internationalattention.

9. The Heads of State or Government agreed to participate in the on-goingprocessofrevitalisingtheUnitedNationsasaneffectiveuniversalinstrument for addressing international issues on an equitable anddemocratic basis, taking full account of the interests and concerns ofall states, including those in South Asia. Issues such as the protectionandpreservationoftheenvironmentandtheequitableandsustainablemanagement of global resources, economic development and thealleviationofpoverty,thesuppressionofterrorism,drugtraffickingandotherinternationalcrimesrequiredglobalresponsesandsolutionscallingforactionbyallstates.

PROJECTION OF COLLECTIVE POSITIONS

10.InthecontextoftheSAARCCharter-objectivetostrengthencooperationamong Member-States in international fora, the Heads of State orGovernmentresolvedtoencourageconsultationsamongdelegationsofSAARCcountriesatall international foraandtopromotearticulationofjointpositionswheresuchactionwouldbeintheinterestsofall.TheyfeltthatthedevelopmentofacollectivepositionininternationalforawouldaccordthemgreatercredibilityandenhancetheinternationalprofileofSouthAsia.

STRENGTHENING OF SAARC

11.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomed theReportpresentedbythe Chairman of the Fifth SAARC Summit, the President of Maldives,andtheHeadofGovernmentofBangladeshontheadoptionofamorebusinesslikeandfunctionalapproachintheconductofSAARCmeetings,aswellastheReportsubmittedbytheChairmanoftheNinthSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters,theForeignMinisterofMaldives,onrationalizingSAARCactivities.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoconsideredotherproposals submittedbyMember-Statesandby theSecretariat tomakethe Association a more effective instrument for the realisation of theaspirationsofthepeopleofSouthAsia.

12.TheydecidedthattheStandingCommitteeshouldmeetinspecialsessioninColomboinApril1992inordertocollateandstudyallproposalsandcommentsinthisrespectandtosubmitareportwithitsrecommendationstotheEleventhSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

13.The Heads of State or Government re-emphasised that regional self-relianceshouldberesolutelypromotedthroughclosercooperationamongcountriesoftheAssociationandthatthiswouldhelpmitigatetheadverseconsequencesofnegativeinternationaldevelopmentsoperatingagainstthem.

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrequestedtheStandingCommitteeatitsSpecialSessiontostudythequestionofcooperationbetweenSAARCand appropriate international and regional organizations taking intoaccounttheevolutionofSAARCactivitiesinthecoreeconomicareasandtoreporttotheEleventhSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION

15.The Heads of State or Government noted the progress made by theIntegrated Programmeof Action (IPA) in expanding to cover a numberofsectorscrucialfortheeconomicandsocialprogressofthepeoplesofSouthAsia.TheywereoftheviewthatthechallengefacingtheIPAwastoachieveitsidentifiedtargetswithinspecifictimeperiods.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheproposalsmadeandthediscussionsproceedinginSAARCtoheightentheeffectivenessoftheIPA.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

16.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentaccordedthehighestprioritytothealleviation of poverty in all South Asian countries. They affirmed thatSouthAsia’spoorcouldconstituteahugeandpotentialresource,providedtheirbasicneedsweremet,andtheyweremobilizedtocreateeconomicgrowth.Thisrequiresthatthepoorareempoweredandareirreversiblylinkedtothemainstreamofdevelopment.ItwasnotedthateachSouthAsiancountryhashadsignificantsuccesscasesofthisapproachtopovertyalleviation.

17.Recognising that a great majority of these people remain below thepoverty line, they evinced keen interest in a “Daal-Bhaat”, or assurednutritionalstandardsapproachtowardsthesatisfactionofbasicneedsoftheSouthAsianpoor.

18.Deeply conscious that primary education is the cutting edge in thestruggleagainstpovertyandthepromotionofdevelopment,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheimportanceofattainingthetargetofprovidingprimaryeducationtoallchildrenbetweentheagesof6-14



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yearsbytheyear2000.Theyagreedtosharetheirrespectiveexperiencesandtechnicalexpertisetoachievethisgoal.

19.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedtoestablishanindependentSouth Asian Commission on Poverty Alleviation consisting of eminentpersonsfromeachSAARCMemberStatetoconductanin-depthstudyofdiverseexperiencesofthesevencountriesonpovertyalleviation,andtoreporttotheSeventhSummit,theirrecommendationsonthealleviationofpovertyinSouthAsia.

TRADE, MANUFACTURES AND SERVICES

20.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwerepleasedtonotetheestablishmentoftheCommitteeforEconomicCooperationasanimportantoutcomeoftheRegionalStudyonTradeManufacturesandServices.Theydeclaredtheircommitment to the liberalisationof trade in the region throughastepbystepapproach insuchamannerthatallcountries intheregionsharethebenefitsoftradeexpansionequitably.

21.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentapprovedthattheInterGovernmentalGroup(IGG)setupontherecommendationoftheCommitteeonEconomicCooperation should formulate and seek agreement on an institutionalframeworkunderwhichspecificmeasuresfortradeliberalisationamongSAARCMemberStatescouldbefurthered.ItshouldalsoexaminetheSriLankan proposal to establish a SAARC Preferential Trade Arrangement(SAPTA) by 1997. They directed that the IGG should meet as early aspossible and report to the Committee on Economic Cooperation. TheHeads of State or Government accepted the offer of the GovernmentofSriLankatohosttheSecondMeetingoftheCommitteeonEconomicCooperationatColomboinJune/July1992atwhichthereportoftheInterGovernmentalGroupwouldbeconsidered.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

22.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatthedegradationoftheenvironmenthasemergedasamajorglobalconcern.Whiletheprotectionoftheenvironmentisacommonimperativeforallhumankind,themainresponsibilityinthisregardrestsondevelopedcountriessincemostoftheemissionofpollutantsoriginates in thosecountriesandsince theyalsohavegreatercapacityfortakingorfacilitatingcorrectivemeasures.

23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalledontheinternationalcommunityto address the question of unsustainable production and consumptionpatterns and life-styles which lead to environmental degradation.

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They were also of the view that environmental standards applicable todevelopedcountriesmayhaveexcessiveandunwarrantedeconomicorsocialcostsifappliedindevelopingcountries.

24. Adequate new and additional resources are needed for developingcountriestopursueanenvironmentallysensitiveprocessofdevelopmentthat will banish the underlying causes of environmental degradationpoverty, malnutrition and unemployment. Such resources should betransferred to developing countries on an assured basis together withenvironmentally sound technology at preferential and concessionalterms.

25.TheHeads of State orGovernment expressed their conviction that theframeworkcouldbelaidforanequitableglobalpartnershipofallcountrieswithaviewtosafeguardingtheenvironment.

26.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatinpreparationfortheSAARCYearoftheEnvironment,SAARCcountrieshadtakenvariousnationalaswellasregionalmeasuresforthepreservationoftheenvironment.

27.The Heads of State or Government expressed their satisfaction at thecompletionofRegionalStudyontheCausesandConsequencesofNaturalDisastersandtheProtectionandPreservationofEnvironment.Theyurgedthemembercountriestopromotecooperationamongstthemselvesforenhancing their respective disaster management capabilities and forundertakingspecificwork-programmesforprotectionandpreservationoftheenvironment.TheyendorsedthedecisionoftheCouncilofMinisterstoestablishaCommitteeonEnvironmentto:

- examinetherecommendationsoftheRegionalStudy

- identifymeasuresforimmediateaction

- decideonmodalitiesfortheirimplementationandwelcomedtheofferofBangladeshtoholdthefirstmeetingoftheCommitteeinDhaka.

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthedecisionoftheStandingCommitteeconcerningthetimeframetofinalisetheregionalstudyonthe“‘GreenhouseEffect’anditsImpactontheRegion”.Theyurgedmembercountriestoconsulteachotheronkeyissuesconcerningclimatechange,Bio-diversityandBiotechnology,aglobalconsensuson forestryprinciples,transferofenvironmentallysoundtechnology,managementofwasteandotherissuesfordiscussionatInter-governmentalNegotiatingCommittee and the UNCED in 1992 so that the concerns of SAARCcountriescouldbeeffectivelyarticulatedandprojected,keepinginmindtheirrespectivenationalpriorities.



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29.TheGovernmentofIndiareneweditsoffertohostaMinisterialMeetingtoharmonisetheviewsofSAARCcountriesontheseissuesbeforeUNCED1992.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheoffer.

SHELTER

30.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheusefulactivitiesconductedduring1991whichwasobservedasSAARCYearofShelter.Theydecidedtocontinuetoworktowardstheglobalobjectiveof“ShelterforAllbytheYear2000”.

31.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthatGovernmentsshouldplaythecriticalroleoffacilitatorandsupporteroftheinitiativesofthepeopleandnon-governmentalagenciesinthefieldofshelter.Inthisrole,theyshouldbeinvolvedintheprovisionofaffordablesiteswithsecuretenure,makinghousingfinanceavailableonanaffordableandsustainablebasis, providing infrastructure development such as water supply andsanitation,energyandwastedisposal, increasing thesupplyofbuildingmaterials at reasonable prices using indigenous resources, removingconstraints to building activities, and creating maximum opportunitiesfor public participation in decisionmaking andmanagement of shelteractivities in the overall context of poverty alleviation. Such activitieswouldbefacilitatedbytheexchangeofexperience,personnel,researchandinformationamongtheSAARCcountries.

32.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the recommendationon the establishment of a shelter information network to be called“SHELTERNET”.

CHILDREN

33.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentaccordedthehighestprioritytothequestionofchildsurvival,protectionanddevelopment.TheywelcomedtheadoptionofaPlanofActiononChildrenforSouthAsiawhichincorporatedrelevantrecommendationsoftheWorldSummitonChildren.

34.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedinthiscontextthatsomemembercountrieshadcompletedtheirnationalPlansofActionandurgedothermember countries to complete their respective Plans. They also urgedMemberStatestoensurecoordinatedfollow-upactionontheirrespectivePlans.

35.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferofSriLankatohostaConferenceonChildreninSouthAsiain1992toconsiderimplementationoftheregionalPlanofAction.

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36.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheadoptionofthePlanofActionfor1991-2000A.D.astheSAARCDecadeoftheGirlChild.Theyrequested the Council of Ministers to ensure an annual review of thestatusofimplementationofthePlanofActionduringthedecade.

TERRORISM

37.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedseriousconcernonthespreadofterrorismintheregionaffectingthesecurityandstabilityofallMemberStatesandunequivocallycondemnedallacts,methodsandpracticesofterrorismascriminal.Theydeploredallsuchactsfortheirimpactonlife,property,socio-economicdevelopmentandpoliticalstabilityaswellasonregionalandinternationalpeaceandcooperation.

38.TheyrecognisedthatcooperationamongSAARCStateswasvitalifterrorismwastobepreventedandeliminatedfromtheregion.InthisregardtheyurgedMemberStatestotakeallnecessarymeasurestogivefulleffecttotheirobligationsundertheSAARCRegionalConventiononSuppressionofTerrorism.Theystressedinparticular,theurgentneedfortheexpeditiousenactmentofenablinglegislationbythoseMemberStateswhichhadnotyetdoneso,fortheimplementationoftheConventionandtheneedfora constant dialogue and interaction among the concerned agencies ofMemberStates,includingsubmissionofperiodicrecommendationstotheCouncilofMinisters.

SECURITY OF SMALL STATES

39.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the initiative of theGovernmentoftheRepublicofMaldivesindrawingtheattentionoftheinternational community to theprotectionand securityof small states.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthattheresolutionsubmittedbytheMaldivestotheUnitedNationsduringthe46thSessionoftheGeneralAssemblyandco-sponsoredby65countriesincludingallthemembersofSAARCwasadoptedwithoutavote.Theyagreedthatsmallstatesmaybeparticularlyvulnerable to external threats and acts of interference in their internalaffairsand that theymerit specialmeasuresof support in safeguardingtheirsovereignindependence,territorialintegrityandthewelfareoftheirpeople.

DRUG TRAFFICKING

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheincreasingregional cooperation in combating the problem of drug trafficking anddrug abuse. They expressed serious concern over the growing linkages



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betweendrugtrafficking,internationalarmstradeandterroristactivities.WhileexpressingsatisfactionatthesigningoftheSAARCConventiononNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstancesattheFifthSAARCSummitatMalé,theyurgedMemberStateswhichhadnotyetdonesotoratifytheConventionforitsentryintoforce.Theyalsorecognisedtheneedforgreatercooperation, including the submission of periodic recommendations totheCouncilofMinisters.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACT

41.The Heads of State or Government recalled that important initiativeshad been taken at the Bangalore and Kathmandu Summits which hadsubsequently resulted in the increased involvement of the peoples ofSouthAsia in theprocessofRegionalCooperation.Theywelcomedthestepsbeingtakenbybusinessorganisations/professionalbodies,scholars,academics, National Cultural Councils and the media in South Asia toformregionalentities/bodies.TheycalledontheStandingCommitteetoexpeditetheformulationofguidelinesforextendingrecognitiontosuchgroupsandbodies.

FUND FOR REGIONAL PROJECTS

42.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesettingupofaSAARCFund for Regional Projects (SFRP) for identification and developmentofregionalprojects.TheynotedthattheFundwouldbemanagedbyaRegional Council of Development Financing Institutions of the SAARCMemberStatesandthattheFirstMeetingoftheCouncilwouldtakeplaceinIndia.

SOUTH ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

43.The Heads of State or Government requested the Secretary-Generalof SAARC to set up a panel of experts to examine the proposal of HisMajesty the King of Bhutan to undertake a pre-feasibility study for theestablishmentofaSouthAsianDevelopmentFund, taking intoaccounttheviewsofallMemberStates.

SAARC VISA EXEMPTION SCHEME

44.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthattheSchemein regard to the entitled categories ofMembers of Parliament, Judgesof theSupremeCourt,Headsofnationalacademic institutionsand theaccompanyingspousesanddependentchildrenwillbecomeoperationalfrom1stMarch1992.Theycalledforexpeditiousactiontoimplementtheschemeaswellastoconsiderothercategorieseligibleforexemption.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

45.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereconsciousofthevastpotentialbeingaffordedbycurrentadvancesinscientificresearchfortheapplicationofscienceandtechnologytowardsthewell-beingofthepeoplesofSouthAsia.TheyagreedthatfortheSouthAsianregiontoderivethemaximumbenefit,scientificandtechnologicalcooperationshouldtranscendnationalfrontiers.

46.RecallingthedecisionoftheMaléSummittoinstitutionalisecooperationin the field of bio-technology, they welcomed the proposal for theestablishment of a networking arrangement between Research andDevelopment Centres in the Member States as an important step inadvancing such cooperation. They also welcomed the emphasis onorganisedstudytours,workshopsandseminarsproposedintheidentifiedareasofcooperationinthefieldofscienceandtechnology.

DATE AND VENUE OF THE SEVENTH MEETING OF THE SAARC HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT

47.TheHeadsof StateorGovernmentgratefully accepted theofferof theGovernmentofBangladeshtohosttheSeventhSAARCSummitin1992.

48.The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,Maldives,NepalandPakistanexpressedtheirdeepappreciationfortheexemplary manner in which the President of Sri Lanka had dischargedhis responsibilities as Chairman of the Meeting. They expressed theirprofound gratitude for the warm and gracious hospitality extended tothembytheGovernmentandthepeopleofSriLankaandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.



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DHAKA DECLARATION The Declaration of the Seventh SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 11th April, 1993.

INTRODUCTION

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencyBegum Khaleda Zia, the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme SingyeWangchuck, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His ExcellencyMr.P.V.NarasimhaRao, thePresidentof theRepublicofMaldives,HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom,thePrimeMinisterofNepal,theRt.Hon.GirijaPrasadKoirala,thePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.MohammedNawazSharifandthePresidentof the Democratic Socialist Republic of Shri Lanka, His Excellency Mr.Ranasinghe Premadasa met at the Seventh Summit of the South AsianAssociation for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at Dhaka, Bangladeshon10-11April,1993.


2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernment reiterated their commitment to theprinciples and objectives of the South Asian Association for RegionalCooperation(SAARC),tothefiveprinciplesofpeacefulco-existence,theUNCharterandnon-alignment.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheprogressachievedinregionalcooperationundertheaegisofSAARC.They felt thattimewasnowopportune forSAARC toprovidea furtherdynamic impetus toactivities in thecoreareasofeconomic, socialandculturalcooperationintheSAARCregion.

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION (IPA)

3. TheHeadsof StateorGovernmentwelcomed the recent specific stepstakentoconsolidateandfurtherstreamlineIPA-relatedSAARCactivities.They also stressed the need for a progressive movement towardsundertakingmorewell-defined,target-orientedandtime-boundprojectsand programmes to ensure tangible benefits for the peoples of SouthAsia.

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ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE IPA

4. TheLeaderswelcomedtherecentdecisionstoinstitutionalizecooperationinthecoreareas.

MORE BUSINESS-LIKE AND FUNCTIONAL APPROACH IN THE CONDUCT OF SAARC MEETINGS

5. The Heads of State or Government approved the recommendationsoftheEleventhSessionoftheCouncilofMinistersforadoptingamorebusinesslikeandfunctionalapproachintheconductofSummitmeetings.Theyalsonotedwithsatisfactiontheguidelinesandproceduresapprovedby theEleventh Sessionof theCouncil in this respect relating tootherSAARCmeetings.Theydecidedtomeet informallywhenevernecessary,betweenSummits.

CONSENSUS ON ERADICATION OF POVERTY IN SOUTH ASIA

6. ConsciousthatthesheermagnitudeandcomplexityofSouthAsianpovertyconstitutedamajorpoliticalandeconomicchallenge,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttocontinuetoaccordahighprioritytoitseradicationfromtheregionintheshortestpossibletime.

7. Theypledgedtoovercomethischallengethroughtheimplementationofappropriatepro-poordevelopmentstrategiesatmacroandmicrolevels.

8. Inthiscontext,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheReportof the Independent South Asian Commission on Poverty AlleviationestablishedattheColomboSummit.TheReportprovidedvaluableinsightandillustrativeexamplesofsuccessfulpovertyalleviationprogrammesinindividualMemberStates.

9. Acknowledgingthattheabidinghumanqualitiesofdignity,creativityandproductivepotentialareerodedby chronicpoverty, theHeadsof StateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttoempoweringthepoorforenhancedgrowth,consistentwithhumandevelopmentandequity.

10.The Heads of State or Government committed their Governmentsunequivocallytotheeradicationofpoverty inSouthAsia,preferablybytheyear2002A.D.throughanAgendaofAction,whichwould,inter-alia,embody:

- A strategy of social mobilization involving the building oforganizations of the poor and their empowerment through



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appropriate national supportmechanisms, with the assistance ofrespectiveGovernments;

- A policy of decentralized agricultural development and sharplyfocussedhouseholdlevelfoodsecuritythroughuniversalprovisionof`Daal-Bhaat’orbasicnutritionalneeds;

- Apolicyofdecentralizedsmallscalelabourintensiveindustrialization,withthechoiceofefficientandcost-effectivetechnology;

- Apolicyofhumandevelopment,includingtheenhancementofthesocial role and status of poor women, the provision of universalprimaryeducation,skilldevelopment,primaryhealthcare,shelterforthepoorandprotectionofchildren;

- A policy to support the above initiatives with adequate financialresources.

11.The Heads of State or Government stressed that within the overallconceptualapproachof `Daal-Bhaat’, theright toworkandtheright toprimaryeducationshouldreceivepriority.

12.The Leaders also underscored the critical link between the success ofnational efforts aimed at poverty alleviation and the external factorsaffectinggrowthanddevelopment.Theyurgedallmajoractorsintheworldeconomicscene,particularlytheindustrializedcountriesandmultilateralandregionalfinancialinstitutions,andNon-GovernmentalOrganizationsto create an enabling international atmosphere that is supportive ofpovertyalleviationprogrammesinSouthAsia.Thiswouldrequireanewdialoguewithdonors.

13.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtothefollow-upactionindicatedbelow:

- anationallevelpro-poorplantobedrawnupbyeachMemberState.Thisplanistobeharmonizedwiththeopeneconomyandstructuraladjustmentstrategies;

- toshareduringthenextSummit,informationregardingtheprogressachieved.

TRADE, MANUFACTURES AND SERVICES

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheneedtoliberalizetradeasearlyaspossiblethroughastepbystepapproach.Theyunderscored

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thatthisshouldbedoneinsuchamannerthatallcountriesintheregioncouldsharethebenefitsoftradeexpansionequitably.

15.Inthiscontext,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthefinalizationoftheframeworkAgreementonSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA). Theyexpressed their deep satisfactionover the signingof theframework Agreement. The Leaders stressed that all necessary stepsshouldbetakentobeginthefirstroundoftradenegotiationstoexchangetradepreferencesamongMemberStatesundertheArrangement.

16.The Heads of State or Government further underlined the criticalimportanceofurgentlypromotingintra-regionalcooperation,particularlyintheareaofmanufacturesinordertoenhancetheproductivecapacityof the Member Countries, and to promote sustained growth anddevelopmenttopreventthemarginalizationofSouthAsia’stradeinterestinthelargerglobalcontext.

ENVIRONMENT

17.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepconcernattheunabateddegradationoftheenvironmentandrecurrenceofdevastatingnaturaldisasters.Theyalsounderscored the risksanddangers involvedin overlooking the challenge posed by these problems. They expressedtheir commitment to implementing at all levels - national, bilateral,regionalandglobal-programmesfortheprotectionandpreservationoftheenvironmentandpreventionof itsdegradation.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedthatthecompletionoftheRegionalStudyonthe“`GreenhouseEffect’anditsImpactontheRegion”wasasignificantstep forward in promoting regional cooperation in this vital area. TheyalsostressedtheimportanceofcontinuingtheongoingSAARCactivitiesinthefieldofenvironment.

18.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheoutcomeoftheUnitedNations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio deJaneiroin1992andunderscoredtheimperativeneedtoensuretheflowofresourcestosuccessfullyimplementthewiderangeofsuggestedinitiativesandactionscontainedinAgenda21.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatallinternationalactionsintheareaofenvironmentshouldbebasedoncommonbutdifferentialresponsibilities,collectiveendeavoursandabalancedperspective.Suchactions,theystressed,mustconsidertheprotectionofenvironment,economicgrowthanderadicationofpovertyasmutually reinforcing.Allenvironmental initiatives, theyunderscored,



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mustprecludethe impositionofarbitraryandone-sidedpre-conditionsand ensure a harmonious blending of environmental and developmentconcerns.TheyfurthernotedwithsatisfactiontheestablishmentoftheCommissiononSustainableDevelopment.TheyurgedthattheCommissionapproachenvironmentalproblemsofdevelopedanddevelopingcountriesinanequitablemanner.

19.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirsatisfactionovertheadoptionof a commonposition byMember States prior to theUnitedNationsConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopment.Theyexpressedtheir determination to continue in future the practice of intra-SAARCconsultationsonmattersofcommonconcern.

POPULATION

20.Recognizing the sovereign right of all countries to promote, adopt andimplement their population policies and mindful of their cultures,values and traditions, the Heads of State or Government stressed theneed to integrate demographic objectives and population strategies inthe formulation of the development strategies of Member Countries.Inthiscontext,theyalsonotedtheimportanceofadequateinvestmentin thehealthandeducation sectors for the successof theirpopulationprogrammes. They agreed that cooperation among Member Statesshouldbestrengthened,boththroughsharingexperiencesandinotherpractical ways, to enhance their capacity to deal with the populationproblem.TheLeadersurgedGovernmentsofdevelopedcountries,aswellasall concerned internationalandregionalorganizations, tostrengthentheirfinancialandtechnicalsupportintheareasofhealthandeducationas part of their strategy of assistance to developing countries in theirdevelopmentefforts.

21.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferofNepaltohostaSAARCMinisterialConferenceonWomenandFamilyHealthinKathmanduinOctober/November1993.

SHELTER

22.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedthathousingwasabasicrightforallpeopleandthatGovernmentsshouldactasfacilitatorandsupporterofshelterprogrammesinitiatedbythepeople.TheyurgedMemberStatestocontinuetoworktowardstheglobalobjectiveof“ShelterforAllbytheYear2000”.

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CHILDREN

23.Reaffirming their commitment to accord the highest priority to childsurvival,protectionanddevelopment,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnoted with satisfaction that all Member States had completed theirNational Plans of Action on Children. They reiterated their call at theColomboSummittocontinuetoensurecoordinatedfollow-upactionbyMemberStatesontheirrespectiveplans.

24.TheHeadsof StateorGovernment endorsed the “ColomboResolutionon Children” adopted by the Second SAARC Ministerial Conference onChildrenheldatColomboinSeptember1992andurgedMemberStatesto implement programmes as appropriate in their respective nationalcontexts,toachievetheillustrativegoalsembodiedintheResolution,andthegoalsoftheSAARCPlanofActiononChildren.

25.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnoted,inparticular,theneedtotakeeffectivemeasurestoprotectchildrenagainstallformsofneglect,crueltyand exploitation and agreed to promote cooperation among MemberStatesindevisingsuchmeasures.

YOUTH

26.Stressing that the youth of South Asia constituted a vital resource fornational development and thatmobilization of their latent power wasimperative,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentfocussedspecialattentionontheneedsoftheYouthinSouthAsiaandtheirdevelopment.

27.The Leaders noted that the youth of South Asia faced a number ofseriousproblemsrequiringurgentattentionandremedialmeasures.TheywelcomedtheofferoftheMaldivestohostaMinisterialConferenceonYouth in South Asia in 1994 to address the problems of the Youth andfocusonthebroadthemeofyouthanddevelopment.Theyalsoagreedtodesignate1994asthe“SAARCYearoftheYouth”.

PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwhile recalling theirdecisionat theMale’Summittoobserve1993asthe“SAARCYearofDisabledPersons”,adoptedtheRegionalPlanofActionfortheDisabledPersons.TheyurgedMemberStatestotakeconcretestepstoimplementthePlan.

29.TheywelcomedtheofferofPakistantohostaMinisterialConferenceonDisabledPersonsinSeptember1993.



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WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

30.Whilereviewingthesituationofwomenintheregion,itwasnotedwithsatisfactionthatoveraperiodoftime,thecontentofregionalcooperationwhich addresses the issue of development, gender and equality forwomenhassteadilygrowninSAARC.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenthopedthat thecooperationthusdevelopedwillenableMemberStatestoachievetheultimategoalofbringingwomenintothemainstreamofdevelopmentwithindependenceandequality.

31.The Heads of State or Government recalled that in pursuance of theircollectivewill expressed in theMale’ Summit to observe the 1990s asthe “ SAARC Decade of the Girl Child”, Member States had undertakento formulate National Plans of Action for the improvement of theconditionoftheGirlChildgivingprioritytohersurvival,protectionanddevelopment.TheyexpressedsatisfactionthatsomeMemberStateshadalreadycompletedthistaskandotherswereexpectedtodososoon.


32.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedthatcooperation in thefield of Science and Technologywas of utmost importance in order toacceleratetheprocessofdevelopmentinSouthAsia.

33.They called for further intensification of efforts by Member States inthis important area, particularly to facilitate research and exchangeof information through networking arrangements in the field of bio-technology,geneticengineering,energymodellingtechniquesandotheridentifiedareasofcooperation.

TERRORISM

34.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their unequivocalcondemnationofallacts,methodsandpracticesofterrorismascriminal.Theystronglydeploredtheadverseconsequencesofterrorism.

35.Theynotedwith grave concern that theefforts to combat thegrowingthreat of terrorism had resulted in the diversion of valuable scarceresourcesfromurgentdevelopmentprogrammes.

36.The Leaders reiterated the need to givehigh priority to the enactmentof enabling legislationat thenational level to giveeffect to the SAARCRegional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism, while urging theMemberStateswhichhadnotyetdoneso,tomakeeveryefforttofinalizethismatterbeforetheEighthSAARCSummit.

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37.While recognizing that some progress had been achieved in thefields of consultation and exchange of information, they stressed theneed for further enhancing cooperation in these fields as well as forcoordinatedaction.TheycalledfortheexpeditiousimplementationoftherecommendationsformulatedforadvancingcooperationinthisregardinpursuanceoftheirdecisionattheColomboSummit.

DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE

38.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirgraveconcernatthegrowingmenaceofdrugtraffickingintheregionandtheaggravationoftheproblemofdrugabuseamongtheSouthAsianpopulation,particularlytheyouth.

39.Theyrecognizedthedevastatingimpactofdrugabuseontheveryfabricofsocietyandtheseriousthreattosecurityandstabilityposedbydrugtraffickingthroughitsgrowinglinkageswithorganizedcrime,illicitarmstradeandterrorism.

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentweregratifiedtonotetheexpandingcooperationamongMemberStatestocombatandeliminatethescourgeofdrugtraffickinganddrugabuse.

41.Theyreiteratedtheneedforfurtherstrengtheningcooperationinthisfieldandcalledfortheexpeditious implementationoftherecommendationsformulatedforthispurposeinpursuanceoftheirdecisionattheColomboSummit.


42.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttopayspecial attention to themonitoring of the security of small States andunderscoredtheneedtoconsiderspecialmeasuresofsupporttopreservetheirsovereign independence,territorial integrityandthewell-beingoftheirpeople.TheyfurthernotedthatrealprotectionofsmallandweakerStatesshouldbefirmlyrootedintheRuleofLawandstrictadherencetouniversallyacceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatingtothesovereignrightsand territorial integrity of all States - big or small. This, they stressed,shouldbeensuredbyallcountrieseitherseverallyorcollectivelythroughthepursuitofappropriateactions.


43.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheneedtofurtherpromotepeople-to-people contact in order to ensure increased involvement



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ofpeoplesofSouthAsia in theprocessof regional cooperation. In thiscontext,theynotedthattheformulationofguidelinesandproceduresforextendingrecognitiontoregionalapexbodieswouldfacilitateparticipationofthesebodiesinpromotingregionalcooperationatthepeople-to-peoplelevel.

44.The Leaders expressed the hope that the recent recognition of theSAARCChamberofCommerceand Industrywouldcontributepositivelyto enhancing cooperation in the crucial areas of trade and economicrelations.

45.TheHeadsof StateorGovernmentexpressed their appreciation to theGovernmentandpeopleofIndiaforhostingtheFirstSouthAsianFestivalofSAARCCountriesin1992.TheFestivalprovidedthepeopleoftheregiontheopportunitytoshareintherichculturalheritageofSouthAsia.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenthopedthattheSouthAsianFestivalwouldbecomearegularfeature.

ASSOCIATION OF SAARC SPEAKERS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS

46.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the initiative of theSpeakersof Parliamentsof SAARCCountries in formingan “AssociationofSAARCSpeakersandParliamentarians”.TheywereoftheviewthattheestablishmentofthisAssociationwouldaddanotherimportantdimensiontotheprocessofregionalcooperation.

SOUTH ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND

47.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentendorsedtherecommendationoftheCouncilofMinistersfortheestablishmentofanInter-GovernmentalGroup(IGG)onSouthAsianDevelopmentFund(SADF)onanad-hocbasis.TheydirectedthattheIGGdefineincleartermsthesize,structure,resourcesand operational modalities of the proposed Fund. They also directedtheIGGtoexaminethecomplementaritiesbetweentheSAARCFundforRegionalProjects (SFRP)andSADF,and their relationship, including thepossibilityof theirmerger.Theywelcomedtheofferof theMaldives tohostthemeetingofIGG.


48.The Heads of State or Government had wide-ranging discussions onthe current global political trends and future prospects, particularlythoseissuesthataffectSouthAsia. Inthiscontext,theyreiteratedtheir

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deep commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charterand reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the United Nations as thecentral instrument for peace, security, disarmament, development andcooperation among the nations of theworld. To this end, the Leaderssupportedallconstructive initiativesaimedatstrengtheningtheUnitedNations.They,however,underscoredthatanymovetoadaptorreformthe United Nations must be undertaken with the sole objective ofrenderingtheUnitedNationsmoredemocratic,efficientandeffectiveandnotto limit thefocusof itsattentiontoanarrowand isolatedrangeofobjectives.

49.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirfirmcommitmenttotheprinciplesandobjectivesoftheNon-alignedMovementandunderlinedthe continued validity and relevance of these principles and objectivesinthecontemporaryglobalpoliticalandeconomiccontext.Theyrecalledthe important role the Movement had been playing in strengtheninginternational peace, promoting development and establishing moreequitable and just economic relations and enhancing internationalcooperation in all areas. They expressed their deep conviction thatthe Movement’s innate strength uniquely equipped it to continue toplay a most constructive role in laying the foundations and definingthecharacteristicsofanewworldorderwhichshouldbebasedontheprinciplesofjustice,equityand12democracyininternationalrelations.Inthiscontext,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesuccessof the Jakarta Summit of theNon-aligned countries and called for theexpeditiousimplementationofitsdecisions.

50.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnoted that theendof thecoldwarpresentednewopportunitiesandchallenges.Theyobservedthatdespitemany positive developments and recent successes in resolving someregionalconflicts,theinternationalpoliticalscenewasstillmarredbystrifeandtension.Theyexpressedtheirseriousconcernovertheunfortunateandtragicconsequencesofethnicconflictandviolenceafflictingpeopleandcommunities inmanypartsoftheworld.Theystressedthateffortsmustbe intensified tofindpeaceful andviable solutions to conflictsoflong standing nature and new problems through greater respect forinternational law and universally accepted humanitarian norms andstandards.

51.TheHeads of State or Government noted a number of recent positivedevelopments in the area of nuclear, chemical and conventionaldisarmament including the agreements on bilateral arms reductions



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betweentheUnitedStatesandtheRussianFederation.Theyexpressedtheir hope that the implementationof the far-reaching arms reductionagreedintheWashingtonAgreementofJune1992andSTARTIIsignedinMoscowinJanuary1993wouldbesuccessfullycarriedout.TheLeadersurgedallNuclear-WeaponStatestocollectivelyendeavourtoattaintheultimategoalofcompleteeliminationofnucleararsenalsintheshortestpossibletime.

52.Theyalsounderscoredtheimperativetofurtherbroadenanddeepenthedimensionstodisarmamentandtocomplementbilateralapproachestodisarmament with effective multilateral approaches. While welcomingthe recent progress in arms reduction at the global level, the Leaderswere convinced that this objective couldbebest achieved through thepromotionofmutualtrustandconfidenceamongMemberStates.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ISSUES

53.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatwhileitwasimportanttobuildpeaceandcreateconditionsofstabilityintheworld,itwasequallyimportanttopromoteeconomicandsocialdevelopment.Theyunderscoredthatinternationalcooperationfordevelopmentanderadicationofpovertywereinextricablylinkedwiththepreservationofinternationalpeaceandsecurityandhenceneededtobetreatedonanequalfootingandpursuedwith equal vigour. The Heads of State or Government expressed theirgrave concern over the continuing deterioration in economic situationin the majority of developing countries. The economies of developingcountries,theyobserved,continuedtosufferasaresultoflimitedmarketaccessfortheirexports,dwindlingresourceflows,absenceofadequateforeigninvestment,mountingexternalindebtedness,inadequatetransferof technology and the inequities in the globalmonetary, financial andtradingsystems.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatalthoughthe developing countries themselves had the primary responsibility fortheireconomicdevelopment,theroleofdevelopedcountriesremainedcentraltotherevivalofthegrowthoftheworldeconomy-inparticulartheeconomiesofthedevelopingcountries.

54.The Heads of State or Government reiterated the vital importance ofeconomic interdependenceamongnationsandoftheneedforrevivingNorth-South dialogue. They fully endorsed the view that there shouldbemoreequitableeconomicopportunitiesforallnations.Theseshouldinclude such important features as the strengthening of a free, openand non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, effective macro-

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economic coordination and fiscal discipline to ensure stable conditionsconducive to development in the global economy. They also reiteratedtheirfirmsupportforthebroadeningofthecoordinationofinternationalmacro-economicpolicies to take intoaccountconcernsofall countries,speciallythedevelopingcountries.Referringtothecompetingdemandsforcapitalandinvestmentresources,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderscored the need to ensure the adequate flow of investmentresourcestothedevelopingcountriesthrough increasingglobalsavingsandamoreequitableutilizationof thepeacedividends. In thiscontexttheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsounderscoredtheneedtofulfiltheinternationally agreed aid targets for the developing countries and theLeastDevelopedCountries.TheyemphasizedontheneedforexceptionalfinancetofacilitateimplementationofeconomicreformprogrammesinSAARCCountries.

55.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsostronglyunderlinedtheneedtocontinueeffortstoseekacomprehensive,durableandgrowth-orientedsolutiontotheexternal indebtednessofthedevelopingcountries.This,theystressed,wasessentialtoacceleratetheprocessofgrowthinthesecountries. A lasting solution to the debt crisis, the Heads of State orGovernmentnoted,musttakeintoaccounttheneedtosignificantlyreducethestockandserviceofalltypesofdebtsofindebteddevelopingcountriestoaugmenttheconcessionalaidflowstoSAARCCountriesandworkoutanticipatorymeasurestopreventtherecurrenceandproliferationofthedebtproblem.

56.The Heads of State or Government also underlined the importanceof a strengthened and liberalized international trading system. In thiscontext,theynotedthatthesuccessfulconclusionoftheUruguayRoundofMultilateral TradeNegotiationswasamatterof great importance tothedevelopingcountries.FailureoftheRound,theLeadersnoted,wouldonlyfurtherimpaireconomicgrowthandencourageprotectionistpolicyseriouslyweakeningthemultilateraltradingsystem.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstronglyurgedthemajorpartnersintheNegotiationstodemonstratetheirpoliticalwillandtakepositivestepstoensurewithoutfurtherdelayasatisfactoryconclusionoftheUruguayRound.Theyfurtherstressedthatalthoughthemainthrustofthesenegotiationsintherecentpasthadbeeninrespectofnewissues,therewasanimperativeneedtoensurethattheUruguayRoundfullytakeintoaccounttheconcernsandinterestsofdevelopingcountries.This,theHeadsofStateorGovernment



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stressed,wasparticularlyimportant.TheLeadersunderscoredtheneedtospeedilyconcludethecurrentroundofnegotiationsinatransparent,balanced and expeditious manner. They also stressed that before theconclusion of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations,an evaluation of results be held from the point of view of developingcountries.

57.The Heads of State or Government expressed their concern over theincreasing stock of anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigationsagainst the exports of developing countries and the new threats to aliberaltradingorderintheformofmeasurestakeninpursuitofthegoalsrelatingtoworkers’rightsandtheenvironment.


58.The Heads of State or Government were of the view that greaterconsultationsamongthedelegationsofSAARCCountriesinallinternationalfora on the major issues of common concern to them would be in theinterestofalltheircountries.Theyfeltthatthedevelopmentofcollectivepositions on such issues in the international fora would enhance theinternationalprofileofSouthAsiaandwouldenablethecountriesintheregiontoarticulatetheirpositiononthemmoreeffectively.Theyreiteratedtheir common resolve to concert their position in all international foraandnegotiationswithaviewtoderivingmaximumbenefitsfromtheminaccordancewiththeirneedsandcommonpriorities.

59.The Heads of State or Government underscored the vital importanceattachedbytheircountriestotheforthcomingSecondWorldConferenceon Human Rights in 1993, the World Population Conference in 1994and the 1995 World Conference on Women. They also supported theconveningofaWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment.TheHeadsofStateor Government stressed the need to develop a common South Asianperspectiveontheissuestobediscussedbytheseimportantinternationalconferences. They also underscored the imperative to coordinate thepositionofSAARCcountriesinordertoensureabalancedequitableandactionorientedoutcomeoftheseconferences.

OBSERVER STATUS

60.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedthatanExpertGroupoftheMemberStateswillexaminethevariousrequestsforobserverstatusatSAARC/SAARCmeetingsinallitsaspectsonthebasisofaworkingpaperto

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bepreparedbytheSecretariatandmakeappropriaterecommendationstotheNineteenthSessionoftheStandingCommittee.Inthisrespect,theywelcomedtheofferofSriLankatohosttheExpertGroupMeeting.

CONCLUSION

61.The Heads of State or Government expressed their deep satisfactionoverthepositiveoutcomeoftheSeventhSAARCSummitandexpressedtheir conviction that this Summit would greatly contribute towardsstrengtheningthepoliciesandcooperativeactionsoftheMemberStatesin response to the challengesof the 1990s and beyond in areas whereSAARChasadistinctcontributiontomake.TheyalsoreiteratedonceagaintheirdeterminationtostrengthenandenrichSAARCasan instrument -endowingitwithaclearsetofforwardlookinggoalsandobjectivesaswellasalltherequisiteinstitutionalcapacities-sothatitcancontinuetoworktoenrichnotonlythelivesofitsownmembersbutalsopromotepeace,progressandstabilityinSouthAsiainalargercontext.

DATE AND VENUE OF THE EIGHTH MEETING OF THE SAARC HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT

62.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentgratefullyacceptedtheofferofIndiatohosttheEighthSAARCSummitin1994.

63.The Heads of State or Government of Bhutan, India, the Maldives,Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka expressed their sincere appreciation forthe exemplary manner in which the Prime Minister of Bangladesh hadconducted the Meeting and guided its proceedings in her capacity asChairperson. They expressed their deep gratitude for the warm andgeneroushospitalityextendedtothembytheGovernmentandpeopleofBangladeshandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.



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DELHI DECLARATIONThe Declaration of Eight SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 4th May, 1995.

INTRODUCTION

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencyBegum Khaleda Zia, the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme SingyeWangchuck, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His ExcellencyMr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, the President of the Republic of Maldives, HisExcellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the Prime Minister of Nepal,theRt.Hon.ManmohanAdhikari,thePresidentoftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.FarooqAhmadKhanLeghariandthePresidentof the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Mrs.ChandrikaBandaranaikeKumaratungametat theEighthSummitof theSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)atNewDelhi,Indiaon2-4May1995.

SAARC DECADE

2. The Heads of State or Government expressed their satisfaction on theachievementsoftheFirstDecadeofSAARCandresolvedtocelebrateitscompletionoftheFirstDecadebothintheindividualMemberStatesandcollectively. They endorsed the proposal of the Council ofMinisters toconveneaCommemorativeSessionoftheCouncilonthetheme“SAARC- Vision for the SecondDecade” to identify the areas onwhich SAARCshouldfocusinitsSecondDecade.


3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernment reaffirmedtheir resolve to intensifyregionalcooperationinordertoacceleratetheprocessofpromotingthewelfareandimprovingthequalityoflifeofthepeoplesofSouthAsia.Theyreiteratedtheircommitment to theprinciplesandobjectivesenshrinedintheSAARCCharter,particularly,totheprinciplesofsovereignequality,territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-interferenceineachother’sinternalaffairs.Theyrecalledtheirconviction

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that in an increasingly interdependent world, regional cooperationwas a dynamic instrument for promoting economic prosperity, mutualunderstandingandgoodneighbourlyrelationstoachievetheobjectivesofpeaceandstabilityinSouthAsia.Inthiscontext,aclimateofpeaceandstabilitywouldcontributetotheeconomicgrowth.

ERADICATION OF POVERTY IN SOUTH ASIA

4. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttotheeradication of poverty in South Asia, preferably by the year 2002 A.D.throughanAgendaofAction.

5. The Leaders endorsed the recommendations of the Finance/PlanningMinisters’MeetingheldinDhakainJuly1994whichrecommendedthatamechanismshouldbesetupwhichwouldactasaforumforexchangeofinformationonpovertyeradicationprogrammes,inthecontextofthepoliciesandstrategiesadopted,particularlyexchangeof informationontechnologies that are relevant to efforts at poverty eradication. Theyagreedthatthisprocesscouldbestrengthenedbysharingandexchangingrelevant studies carried out by independent research institutions andexperts.Thismechanismwouldbeintheformofathree-tierinstitutionalstructureasrecommendedintheReportandwouldmeetonceayear.TheynotedthatsuchamechanismhasbeensetupenablingtheproceduresofexchangeofinformationtocommenceandwelcomedtheofferofIndiatohostthefirstroundofthethree-tiermechanism.

6. The Heads of State or Government directed that the next meeting ofFinance/Planning Ministers consider the efficacy of such mechanismtowards eradicating poverty in the region and report on the progressachievedtotheNinthSAARCSummit,throughtheCouncilofMinisters.

7. Inthiscontext,theydecidedtodeclare1995asthe“SAARCYearofPovertyEradication”.

8. Acknowledgingthattheabidinghumanqualitiesofdignity,creativityandproductivepotentialareerodedby chronicpoverty, theHeadsof StateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttoempoweringthepoorforenhancedgrowthconsistentwithhumandevelopmentandequity.

9. Recognizing that poverty is a complexmulti-dimensional problemwithorigins in both national and international domains, country-specificprogrammestotacklepovertyandinternationaleffortssupportingnationalefforts and the parallel process of creating a supportive international



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environmentconducive toeconomicgrowthandsocialdevelopmentofdevelopingcountries,arecrucialforasolutiontothisproblem.SummitforSocialDevelopmentrecognizedtheneedforfocusingtheattentionoftheinternationalcommunityonandsupport thespecialneedsofcountriesand regions in which there are substantial concentrations of peoplelivinginpoverty,inparticularthoseinSouthAsiaandwhichfaceseriousdifficultiesinachievingsocialandeconomicdevelopment.TheHeadsofStateorGovernment reiterated theircommitment toeradicatepovertyandnotedwithappreciationtheoutcomeoftheWorldSummitforSocialDevelopment.

10.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcommittedthemselvestoaddressingthe fundamental causes of poverty and to provide for the basic needsof all. They reaffirmed their commitment towork for guaranteeing therealisation of the rights of all, in particular those of the poor, to food,work,shelter,health,education,resourcesandinformation.

11.The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment toprovide expanded opportunities to the poor to enhance their overallcapacitiesandimprovelivingconditionsandtoadequateeconomicandsocial protection during unemployment, disability and old age. Whilerecognising the need to improve, expand and deregulate markets topromotesustainedeconomicgrowththeyfeltitwasessentialtomitigateanynegativefeaturescreatedbythemarketforcesandmakealleffortstomakethemarketsfriendlytothepoor.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedthenecessitytoensurethatfinancialsystemsandotherpublicpolicies are geared towards poverty eradication and warned againstincreaseinsociallydivisivedisparities.

12.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthattheGovernmentsofSAARCcountrieswillhavetoplayaleadroleinpromotingthesupportstructuresneededforpovertyeradication, includingpeople’s institutionsandnon-governmentalorganisationsinthecontextoforganisingthepeopleandfostering decentralisation and local self-governance and encouragingorganisation of the poor, in the context of their social and economicinterests.

SAARC PREFERENTIAL TRADING ARRANGEMENT (SAPTA)

13.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactionthatsubsequenttothesigningoftheFrameworkAgreementonSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA)duringtheirSeventhSummitinDhakainApril1993,thefirstroundoftradenegotiationstoexchangetradeconcessionsamong

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Member States has been completed. They directed that all necessarystepsshouldbetakentofacilitateratificationbyallMemberStatesandoperationaliseSAPTAbytheendof1995asmandated.

14.The Leaders reiterated their firm belief that the operationalisation ofSAPTA will herald the beginning of a new and significant process ofregionalcooperationandwouldlendstrengthtoSAARCasaninstitutionforpromotingthewelfareofthepeoplesofSouthAsia.

15.In view of the fast changing international economic environment,creationofmajortradingandeconomicgroupings,establishmentoftheWorldTradeOrganisationsubsequenttothesuccessfulconclusionoftheUruguayRoundofMultilateralTradeNegotiationsandunilateraleconomicliberalisationmeasuresbeingadoptedbyMemberCountries,theHeadsof State or Government emphasised the urgency of broadening anddeepeningcooperationwithinaspecificandrapidtime-frameinthecoreareasoftradeandeconomicrelationsintheregion.ThesedevelopmentscallforaddedurgencytoachievemoreprogresstowardsoperationalisationofSAPTAandintensificationofcooperationtoexpandregionaltrade.Tothatend,theydecidedthatthe“Components”and“AdditionalMeasures”identifiedinArticles4and6respectivelyoftheSAPTAAgreementshouldbeimplemented.

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION

16.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheprogressmadethroughtheIntegratedProgrammeofActioncoveringanumberofcrucialareasandactivities.

REGIONAL CENTRES

17.TheLeaderswelcomedtheestablishmentof theSAARCDocumentationCentre (SDC) inNewDelhi inMay1994and theSAARCMeteorologicalResearchCentre(SMRC)atDhakainJanuarythisyear.


18.Notingthatincreasedpoliticalandsocialconsciousnessintheregionhadhighlightedtheissuesofeliminationofgender-disparityandempowermentofwomenwhichareessentialfortheirsocio-economicdevelopment,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderlinedtheurgencyofaddressingtheseissuesthroughfurtheraffirmativeaction.

19.TheLeadersendorsedthe“KathmanduResolutiononWomenandFamilyHealth”, adopted by the Ministerial Conference on Women and Family



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Health in Kathmandu in November 1993, and expressed satisfactionthatappropriateprogrammeswerebeingundertakento implementtheResolutionatthenationallevelbytheMemberStates.

20.TheLeadersnotedtheprogressintheimplementationofthePlanofActiontomark1991-2000asthe‘SAARCDecadeoftheGirl-Child’,andrequestedtheCouncilofMinisterstoconductacomprehensivemid-decadereviewforpresentationtotheNinthSAARCSummit.

21.Recognising the serious threat faced by certain groups of Girl ChildreninEspeciallyDifficultCircumstances (GCEDC) including thoseorphaned,disabledandexploited,theLeadersdecidedthatanurgentappraisalofthesituationofthesechildrenbeundertakenbytheCouncilofMinistersandspecificrecommendationsbepresentedtotheNinthSAARCSummit.

22.ConsideringthattheexploitationoftheGirlChildisadirectreflectionofthe statusofwomen in society, theLeaders reaffirmed their resolve totakenecessarymeasurestoeliminateallformsofdiscriminationagainstwomenandgirl-children.

CHILDREN

23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionthattheannualreviews of the situation of children in SAARC countries for the years1993and1994hadbeencompletedwhichindicatedreductionininfantmortality and significant progress in the immunisation programme forchildrenintheregion.

24.Recalling the mid-decade goals of the World Summit for Children, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentresolvedtointensifytheireffortsbothatthenationalandregionallevelsforattainmentofthesegoals.

25.The Leaders welcomed that all Member States have become party tothe Convention on the Rights of the Child. They felt that the recentlyheld Cairo International Conference on Population and Development(ICPD)inSeptember1994andtheCopenhagenWorldSummitonSocialDevelopmentinMarch1995hadimpartedfreshimpetustotheon-goingeffortsforthesurvival,protectionanddevelopmentofchildreninSouthAsia.

YOUTH

26.The Heads of State or Government endorsed the Malé Resolution onYouth adopted by the Ministerial Conference on Youth in South Asia

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held in the Maldives in May 1994 and noted that the Conference had,inter-alia, served to focusattentionon the statusof theyouthand thechallenges facedby them.TheLeadersnotedwith satisfaction that theAgendaforAction incorporated intheResolution isbeing implementedbyMemberStateswithaviewtointegratingtheyouthintotheprocessofnationaldevelopment.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthattheSAARCYouthResolutionhadbeenadoptedandtheSAARCYouthAwardsSchemehasbeenestablished.

27.TheLeadersexpressedsatisfactionontheimplementationofthePlanofActiontomark1994astheSAARCYearoftheYouthinMemberStatesandresolvedtocontinuethemomentumgeneratedinMemberStates.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

28.The Heads of State or Government noted with satisfaction that theMinisterial Conference on Disabled Persons was held in Islamabad inDecember 1993. They endorsed the Islamabad Resolution on DisabledPersons and the recommendations of the Conference and noted thattheConferencehadfurther increasedawarenessamongthepeoplesofSouth Asia regarding the needs and problems of the disabled persons.TheywelcomedtheactivitiesandprogrammeslaunchedbytheMemberStatesinpursuanceoftheResolutionfortheprotectionandpromotionofpersonswithdisability.

SHELTER

29.The Heads of State or Government, recognising that housing was abasic right for all people and that, in addition to governmental efforts,private initiativesof thepeopleandnon-governmentalagencies shouldbesupported,reaffirmedtheircommitmenttoworktowardstheglobalobjectiveof“ShelterforAllbytheYear2000.”

LITERACY

30.The Heads of State or Government noted that illiteracy is one of themajor causes of poverty, backwardness and social injustices and calledon theMemberStates to initiatemoreconcreteprogrammesaimedateradicatingilliteracyintheregionpreferablybytheyear2000A.D.Theydecidedtoobserve1996asthe“SAARCYearofLiteracy”.

ENVIRONMENT

31.Reaffirming the need for a concerted action for the protection andpreservation of the environment, the Heads of State or Government



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expressedtheirsatisfactionoverthe formulationofacommonpositionby Member States prior to the World Conference on Natural DisasterReductionandthepresentationofthecollectivepositionattheYokohamaConference. They recognised that international cooperation is vital forbuildingupnationalcapabilities,transferofappropriatetechnologyandpromotionofmultilateralprojectsandresearcheffortsinnaturaldisasterreduction.

32.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepconcernattheunabateddegradationoftheenvironmentandrecurrenceofdevastatingnaturaldisasters.Theyalsounderscored the risksanddangers involvedin overlooking the challenge posed by these problems. They expressedtheir commitment to implementing at all levels - national, bilateral,regionalandglobal-programmesfortheprotectionandpreservationoftheenvironmentandpreventionofitsdegradation.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheimportanceofcontinuingtheon-goingSAARCactivitiesinthefieldofenvironment.

33.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatalthoughsomeworkhasbeencarriedoutintheareaofdisseminatinginformationontheproblemsofenvironmentaldegradationand their impacton the region,progressin the implementationof the recommendationsof the SAARCRegionalStudy on the Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters and theProtectionandPreservationoftheEnvironmentandtheRegionalStudyonGreenhouseEffectanditsImpactontheRegion,whichwerecompletedin 1992,hadbeen slow. They stressed the importanceof effectiveandspeedyimplementationoftherecommendationsofthetwoStudiesandrequested Member States to take all necessary steps without furtherdelayinvitalareassuchassharinganddevelopingscientificcapabilitiesto protect and manage the environment. They further directed theTechnicalCommitteeonEnvironmenttomonitortheprogressmadeintheimplementationoftherecommendationsofthetwoStudies,andsubmitareporttotheNinthSummitthroughtheCouncilofMinisters.

34.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledthedecisionsexpressedintheDhakaDeclarationofApril,1993ontheoutcomeoftheUnitedNationsConference on Environment and Development (UNCED) of June, 1992andreiteratedtheurgentneedtoensuretheflowofnewandadditionalresources that are adequate and predictable to successfully implementthe programmes of Agenda 21. They also recalled the United Nationsminimumtargetfordevelopedcountriesof0.7percentofGNPasOfficialDevelopment Assistance, a target which is yet to be approximated by

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mostdevelopedcountries.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsonotedthat internationalactions in theareaofenvironmentprotectionshouldbe based on partnership and collective endeavours and should reflectthe principle enunciated in the UNCED, of common but differentiatedresponsibilities. Integral to such actions is the promotion of economicgrowth in developing countries, that is both sustained and sustainableanddirectactionineradicatingpoverty.

35.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsonoted that theCommissiononSustainableDevelopment setup tomonitor the implementationof theRioagreementshasmetthricesincetheirearliermeetingandexpressedthehopethattheCommissionwouldbeabletofacilitatethenecessaryflowofresourcesandtechnology.

36.TheHeads of State orGovernment also noted that the Convention onBiological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention onClimateChangehavebothcomeintoforceandthefirstmeetingsoftheConferencesofParties toeachConventionhavebeenheld.Welcomingthese developments they urged that developing countries should beassisted in meeting their commitments under the Conventions. TheestablishmentoftherestructuredGlobalEnvironmentFacility(GEF) isabeginninginthisdirection.However,theHeadsofStateorGovernmenturgedthatfundsofamuchlargerorderwouldbenecessaryiftheneedsoftheConventionsaretobemet.

TERRORISM

37.The Heads of State or Government expressed serious concern on thespread of terrorism in and outside the region and reiterated theirunequivocalcondemnationofallacts,methodsandpracticesofterrorismascriminal.Theydeploredallsuchactsfortheirruinous impacton life,property,socio-economicdevelopmentandpoliticalstabilityaswellasonregionalandinternationalpeaceandcooperation.

38.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentonceagainemphasisedthathighestpriority shouldbeaccorded to theenactmentofenabling legislationatthe national level to give effect to the SAARC Regional Convention onSuppression of Terrorism. They urged Member States, which had notyet done so, to enact expeditiously enabling legislation at the nationalleveltoimplementtheconventionandreiteratedtheneedforaconstantdialogue and interaction among the concerned agencies of MemberStates,includingsubmissionofperiodicrecommendationstotheCouncilofMinisters.



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39.TheyunderlinedthatcooperationamongSAARCMemberStateswasvitalifthescourgeofterrorismwastobeeliminatedfromtheregion.

DRUG TRAFFICKING

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatdrugabuseanddrugtraffickingwith its linkageswith organised crime, illicit arms trade andterrorismcontinuestoposeaseriousthreattothesecurityandstabilityintheregion.

41.WhilenotingtheeffortsmadebyMemberStatesaswellastheregionalcooperationunderwaytocombatthispernicioustrade,theLeadersstressedtheurgencyoffurtherstrengtheningtheprocessofcooperation.

42.TheLeaderswelcomedtheratificationoftheSAARCConventiononNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstancesbyallMemberStatesandentryintoforceoftheConventioninSeptember1993.TheyurgedallMemberStatesto take necessary follow-up action for effective implementation of theConvention.


43.The Heads of State or Government reiterated that cooperation in theareaofScienceandTechnologyshouldbeaccordedhighpriority.Notingthatsomeprogresshadbeenmadetowardsestablishmentofnetworkingarrangements, inter-alia, in the fields of Bio-Technology, GeneticEngineering, Energy Modelling Techniques and Low-Cost Housing andBuildingTechnologies,theLeaderscalledforfurtheraccelerationofthisprocess.


44.Reiterating their earlier resolve to further promote people-to-peoplecontact through increased involvement of the peoples of South Asia intheprocessofregionalcooperation,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnoted with satisfaction that such interaction has been taking placethroughvariousforabothwithinandoutsidetheSAARCframeworkandhascontributedtothepromotionofmutualunderstandingintheregion.

45.The Leaders noted that SAARC LAW (an association for persons of thelegalcommunitiesofSAARCcountries)hadbeenaccordedrecognitionbySAARC.TheLeadershopedthatSAARCLAWwouldplayaneffectiveroleinfosteringclosercooperationamongthelegalcommunitiesintheregion.

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46.TheLeadersnotedwithsatisfactionthattheSAARCChamberofCommerceand Industry (SCCI) has been functioning satisfactorily. They expressedhopethattheSAARCChamberand itsconstituentunits intheMemberStateswilldotheirutmosttopromotetradeandeconomiccooperationin theSAARC region. TheLeaders commended theSAARCChamber fordisseminatinginformationonthescope,contentandpotentialsofSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA)amongthebusinesscommunityintheregion.

47.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionthattheSAARCVisaExemptionSchemeisbeingimplementedsmoothlyandhasenhancedthescopeofpeople-to-peoplecontacts.

SOUTH ASIAN DEVELOPMENT FUND (SADF)

48.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentendorsedtheestablishmentofathree-windowSouthAsianDevelopmentFundwiththemergerofSAARCFundforRegionalProjectsandtheSAARCRegionalFundandathirdwindowforsocialdevelopmentandinfrastructuredevelopment.


49.The Heads of State or Government recalled their decision taken at theSeventh SAARC Summit regarding development of collective positionsin international foraonsuch issuesaswouldenhancethe internationalprofileofSouthAsiaandwouldenabletheMemberStatestoarticulatetheir position on them more effectively. They noted that Council ofMinistershadformulatedaprocedureforprojectionofSAARCcollectivepositionsatsuchinternationalfora.

50.TheynotedwithsatisfactionthatpursuanttothedecisionattheSeventhSAARCSummit,collectivepositionswereformulatedbyMemberStateswhich were presented at the World Conference on Natural DisasterReductionand theWorld Summit for SocialDevelopment. The Leadersalso noted with satisfaction that a SAARC collective position will alsobe presented at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing inSeptember1995.


51.The Heads of State or Government reaffirming their commitment touniversallyacceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatingtothesovereignrightsandterritorialintegrityofallStates,recognisedthatsmallStates,because



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of their particular problems, required special measures of support forsafeguardingtheirindependenceandterritorialintegrity.TheyreiteratedthatrealprotectionofsmallandweakerStatesshouldbefirmlyrootedintheruleoflaw.This,theystressedshouldbeensuredbyallcountrieseitherseverallyorcollectivelythroughthepursuitofappropriateactions.


52.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthattheendoftheColdWarhad resulted in fundamental changes in the political landscape. It wasthereforeimportantthatanewidiombefoundtoaddressnewconcerns.The disappearance of the confrontation between the two power blocspresentedanopportunitytowardsbuildingagenuineconsensusforanewinternationalorder.

53.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenthadwiderangingdiscussionsonthecurrent global political trends and future prospects, particularly thoseissues that concern South Asia. In this context, they reiterated theirdeep commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charterand reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the United Nations as thecentral instrument for peace, security, disarmament, development andcooperationamongthenationsoftheworld.WhilepledgingtheirsupporttoallconstructiveinitiativesaimedatstrengtheningtheUnitedNations,the Leaders emphasised that such initiativesmust be undertakenwiththesoleobjectiveofrenderingtheUnitedNationsandallitsorgansmoredemocratic,efficientandeffectiveandnottolimitthefocusofitsattentiontoanarrowandisolatedrangeofobjectives.

54.Appreciating the role of some SAARCMember States in theUN PeaceKeeping Operations in various parts of the world, the Heads of Stateor Government felt that such participation had contributed towardsmaintenanceofpeaceandsecurityintheworld.

55.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirfirmcommitmenttotheprinciplesandobjectivesoftheNon-alignedMovementandunderlinedthe continued validity and relevance of these principles and objectivesin the contemporary world. They recalled the stabilising role played bytheMovement inglobalaffairssince its inception.Theyexpressedtheirdeep conviction that the Movement’s innate strength equipped it tocontinuetoplayamostconstructiverole in layingthefoundationsofanewworldorderbasedontheruleoflaw,non-discrimination,equityandcooperation.

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56.The Heads of State or Government noted that while the internationalcommunity had successfully created the norm against chemical andbiological weapons, it had, unfortunately, been unable to do the samewithregardtonuclearweapons.TheLeaderswereconvincedthatmoreneedstobedoneandatafargreaterpace.Reiteratingthattheutmostprioritywastobegiventonucleardisarmament,giventhedangerposedby nuclear weapons, they urged the Conference on Disarmament tonegotiateaninternationalconventionprohibitingtheuseorthreatofuseofnuclearweaponsunderanycircumstancesandundertakenegotiationsforthecompleteeliminationofallnuclearweaponswithinatimeboundframework.

57.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirstrongcommitmenttothepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights.Theyagreedtotakeallnecessarystepstoachievethisobjective.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES

58.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesuccessfulconclusionoftheUruguayRoundofmultilateraltradenegotiationsandreaffirmedtheircommitment to implement fully and as scheduled, the Final Act of theUruguayRoundofmultilateraltradenegotiations.TheyalsowelcomedthecomingintoexistenceoftheWTOandexpressedthehopethatitwouldhelp to expand international trade, particularly that of the developingcountries.They reaffirmedthe immediateneed toelaboratepolicies toenabledevelopingcountries,totakeadvantageofexpandedinternationaltrading opportunities, in the context of the full implementation of theRound.Theycalledonallcountriestorefrainfromanyunilateralmeasurenotinaccordancewithinternationallaw,theCharteroftheUnitedNationsandenlightenedregionalismandglobalismthatcreatesobstaclestotraderelationsamongStatesandtherebyimpedesthefullrealisationofsocialandeconomicdevelopment.

59.Recognising that the promotion of mutually reinforcing broad-basedsustainedeconomicgrowthonaglobalscale,aswellasanon-discriminatory,andmultilateralrule-basedinternationaltradingsystem,providedabasisforsocialdevelopment,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalledfortheestablishmentofanopen,equitable,cooperativeandmutuallybeneficialinternationaleconomicenvironment.Theyalsocalledforareductionoftradebarriersandpromotionofexpandedaccesstoglobalmarkets.

60.The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment tosafeguard the basic interests of workers. They called upon countriesto refrain from erecting trade barriers in the guise of promotion and



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protection of workers’ rights. They deplored the tendency to imposeanyconditionalitieson international trade,whetherasa“socialclause”orasthe“environmentalclause”,whilereiteratingtheircommitmenttoensuringworkers’rightsaswellasprotectionoftheenvironment.

SPECIAL MEASURES FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LAND-LOCKED COUNTRIES

61.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithdeepconcernthateconomicgrowth in the Least Developed Countries and Land-Locked Countries isnot satisfactoryandemphasised theneed to take specialmeasures foracceleratingtheprocessofdevelopment.TheyreiteratedtheneedtofulfiltheinternationallyagreedaidtargetsforthedevelopingcountriesandtheLeastDevelopedCountries.TheyemphasisedontheneedforexceptionalfinancetofacilitateimplementationofeconomicreformprogrammesinSAARCCountries.

DATES AND VENUE OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE SAARC HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT

62.TheHeadsof StateorGovernmentgratefully accepted theofferof theGovernment of Maldives to host the Ninth SAARC Summit. The dateswouldbefinalisedinconsultationwithMemberStates.

63.The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,Nepal,PakistanandSriLankaexpressedtheirdeepappreciationfortheexemplarymanner inwhichthePrimeMinisterof Indiahaddischargedhis responsibilities as Chairman of the Meeting. They expressed theirprofound gratitude for the warm and gracious hospitality extended tothembytheGovernmentandthepeopleoftheRepublicofIndiaandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.

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MALÉ DECLARATION The Declaration of the Ninth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 14th May, 1997.

INTRODUCTION

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencySheikhHasina;theKingofBhutan,HisMajestyJigmeSingyeWangchuck;thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyMr.InderKumarGujral; the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Mr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom;thePrimeMinisterofNepal,HisExcellencyMr.LokendraBahadurChand; thePrimeMinisterof the IslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.MohammadNawazSharifandthePresidentof the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Mrs.Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga met at the Ninth Summit of theSouth Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at Malé,Maldiveson12-14May1997.


2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttoSAARCandresolvedtoaccelerateregionalcooperationinordertorealisetheaimsandobjectivesoftheAssociation.TheyreaffirmedtheircommitmenttotheprinciplesenshrinedintheSAARCCharter,especiallytotheprinciplesof sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-interference in each others’ internal affairs. Theywere convinced that regional cooperation was indispensable in aninterdependentworldfortherealisationofthefullpotentialoftheSouthAsianregion.

3. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the holding of theCommemorative Session of the Council of Ministers in New Delhi inDecember1995tomarktheFirstDecade,onthetheme“SAARC-VisionfortheSecondDecade”.TheyobservedthatoverthepastdecadeSAARChasmaturedasaninstitutionandthescopeandvolumeofcooperativeactivitieshaveexpanded.Theyexpressedsatisfactionthatinadditiontocontinuedcooperationinagreedareas,SAARChasnowmovedintothecoreareasofeconomiccooperation.



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4. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthat,inthetwelveyearsofitsexistence, SAARC has seen progress in various fields of its endeavour.TheydirectedthataGroupofEminentPersons(GEP)beconstituted,withdistinguishedbackgroundsinactivitiespertainingtoregionalcooperation,comprising of one representative from each Member State, with thediscretionofeachMemberStatetoappointanadditionalrepresentative.This Group, to which the SAARC Secretary-General will be invited, willundertake a comprehensive appraisal of SAARC, and identifymeasuresincludingmechanismstofurthervitaliseandenhancetheeffectivenessoftheAssociationinachievingitsobjectives.TheyfurtherdecidedthattheGroupmaydevelopalong-rangevisionandformulateaperspectiveplanofactionincludingaSAARCAgendafor2000andBeyondwhichwillspelloutthetargetthatcanandmustbeachievedbytheyear2020.TheGroupmay report to the Heads of State or Government at the Tenth SAARCSummit.

5. Withaview toenhancing theeffectivenessof the roleand functioningof theSecretariat, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtoamendArticleV(1)oftheMemorandumofUnderstandingontheEstablishmentoftheSecretariatanddecidedthatthetenureoftheSecretary-General,withimmediateeffect,shallbeforanon-renewabletermofthreeyears.

6. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their determination toreinforcetheunityandcohesionofSAARC.WiththeobjectiveofenhancingregionalsolidarityandpromotingoveralldevelopmentwithinSAARC,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentencouraged,undertheprovisionsofArticlesVIIandXoftheCharter,thedevelopmentofspecificprojectsrelevanttothespecialindividualneedsofthreeormoreMemberStates.

7. They agreed that a climate of mutual accommodation and purposefulcooperationwasneededtoimpartfurtherimpetustotheSAARCprocessduringtheseconddecadeofSAARCinordertoaddressthedevelopmentalchallengesfacingtheregion.

ENHANCING POLITICAL COOPERATION

8. The Heads of State or Government recalled their commitment to thepromotionofmutual trustandunderstandingand,recognisingthattheaims of promoting peace, stability and amity and accelerated socio-economiccooperationmaybestbeachievedbyfosteringgoodneighbourlyrelations,relievingtensionsandbuildingconfidence,SAARC/SUMMIT.9/113agreed that aprocessof informalpolitical consultationswouldproveusefulinthisregard.

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9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereunequivocalintheircommitmenttotheeradicationofpovertyinSouthAsiaattheearliest,preferablybytheyear2002A.D.throughanAgendaofAction.Theynotedwithsatisfactiontheestablishmentofathree-tiermechanismonpovertyeradicationandendorsedtherecommendationsofthetworoundsofmeetingsunderthismechanismhostedbyIndiaandPakistan,respectively.TheydesiredthattheMinistersofFinance/Planningshouldmeetagaininthenearfuturetogivefurtherimpetustothisprocess.

10.InconsideringtheReportoftheMinistersofFinance/Planning,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthateffectiveimplementationofpovertyeradication programmes required a focus on greater participation oftargetgroupsintheformulationandimplementationofsuchprogrammesthroughsocialmobilization.They,therefore,decidedtodesignate1997asthe“SAARCYearofParticipatoryGovernance”.

11.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesuccessfulholdingofthe Micro-credit Summit in Washington, D.C. in February 1997 and itsDeclarationofsupporttolaunchaglobalcampaigntoreach100millionof the world’s poorest families, especially women, with credit for self-employment and other financial and business services, by the year2005A.D.

12.Recognisingthatmicro-creditprogrammeshavesuccessfullydemonstratedtheirusefulnesstowardachievingmanygoalsofsocio-economicupliftment,including theeradicationofpovertyandempowermentofwomen, theLeaders agreed to intensifyendeavours in their respective countries sothattheoutreachoftheseprogrammesbecomeswidespread.

13.The Heads of State or Government were convinced that an enablinginternationalenvironment to supportpovertyeradicationeffortsof theSAARC countries is an essential element in attaining success for theseefforts. They urged all donor countries, international institutions andotherbodiesengagedineradicationofpovertytoincreasetheirsupportandassistancetotheseefforts.

ACCELERATION OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheentryintoforceoftheAgreementonSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA)on7December1995.Theyrecognisedtheimportanceofachievingafree



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tradeareabytheyear2001A.D.andreiteratedthatstepstowardstradeliberalisationmusttakeintoaccountthespecialneedsofthesmallerandtheLeastDevelopedCountriesandthatbenefitsmustaccrueequitably.

15.WhileexpressingsatisfactionattheconclusionofthetwoRoundsofTradeNegotiationsunderSAPTA,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthedecisiontolaunchtheThirdRoundofTradeNegotiationsshortly.Theyagreed thatpreferential tariffconcessions should coverproductswhicharebeingactively tradedamongstMemberStates.They furtheragreedthat the Third Round should deepen tariff concessions along with theremoval of non-tariff barriers and structural impediments in order tomovespeedilytowardsthegoalofSAFTA.

16.TheLeaderswelcomedtheholdingoftheFirstMeetingoftheCommerceMinistersandtheFirstSAARCTradeFairinNewDelhiin1996andnotedthedecisionoftheCommerceMinisterstomeetannually.TheyfurtherwelcomedtheofferofPakistantohostthesecondSAARCTradeFair tocoincidewiththeSAARCCommerceMinisters’Meeting.

17.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthattheeffortstoenhancetradeandeconomiccooperationintheregionwouldbefurtherstrengthenedby initiatingspecificsteps topromoteandprotect investment, increasecomplementarities in economic activities ofMember States and othermeasures supportive of promotion of SAARC joint ventures. They alsowelcomedtheofferofIndiatohostameetingonpromotionandprotectionof investmentandtheofferofPakistantohostameetingonavoidanceofdoubletaxation.Theyalsowelcomedmeasuresofcooperationintheareas of customs standardisation, arbitration and enhancing industrialeconomyandmanagement.

18.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthatinintensifyingeconomiccooperation the interests of smaller countries, especially the leastdeveloped among them, should be taken into account through theimplementationofspecialmeasuresintheirfavour.

19.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatinadequatecommunicationsfacilitiesamongst theMemberStateswereamajorhindrancetoclosereconomic cooperation. They stressed the importance of developinginfrastructure and adequate communication networks amongMemberStatestoreinforcetheprocessofeconomiccooperation. Inthisregard,theyhighlightedtheneedforthesimplificationofcomplexdocumentationproceduresandtransactionalsoftwaretofacilitateeconomicinteractionacrosstheregion.TheywelcomedtheofferofSriLankatohostaMeetingoftheCommunicationMinistersoftheMemberStates.

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20.The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their determination toencouragetheprivatesector in theregiontocontribute increasingly tothestrengtheningof intra-SAARClinksinkeyareasoftrade, investmentandfinance.TheywelcomedthedecisionbytheSCCItoconveneannuallyan Economic Cooperation Conference in conjunction with the annualmeetingofSAARCCommerceMinistersandSAARCTradeFairs.

INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION (IPA)

21.The Heads of State or Government emphasised the need to make theIntegratedProgrammeofAction(IPA)moreeffectivethroughtheselectionoftarget-orientedandtime-boundactivitieswithinanoverallframeworkof enhanced cooperation amongMember States. In this context, theynotedthattheSecretary-GeneralhadbeenauthorisedbytheCouncilofMinisterstoconstituteaGroupofExpertstoreviewtheIPA.

REGIONAL CENTRES

22.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatRegionalCentreshaveanimportantroletoplayinharnessingtheresourcesandcapabilitieswithintheSAARCregioninaddressingspecificandsharedconcernsofMemberStates.TheywelcomedthedecisionoftheCouncilofMinisterstoestablishaHumanResourceDevelopmentCentreinPakistan.

23.TheystressedthatRegionalCentresshouldimplementactionandresult-orientedprogrammesandhighlightedtheimportanceofrationalisingthefunctioningoftheseCentres.


24.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatincreasedsocialandpolitical awareness in the region had brought positive contributions totheissuesofgenderequalityandempowermentofwomen.Theyfurtheremphasized theneed forenhancedcooperation toachieve thedesiredobjective of bringing women into the mainstream of socio-economicdevelopmentintheregion.Inthiscontext,theyemphasisedtheurgencytoeffectivelyimplementtherecommendationsofthe“DhakaResolutiononWomen”,issuedattheconclusionoftheSAARCMinisterialConferenceonWomenandpresentedtotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomen.

25.Takingnoteofthemid-decadereviewoftheSAARCPlanofActionontheGirl-Child,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeterminationtoaccelerateeffortsatreductionofmalnutritionandmortalityrates,raising



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educationandliteracyrates,reductionoftheproportionofearlymarriageamonggirls,andthepostponementoftheageoffirstpregnancy,therebycontributing to the increasedwelfare of the girl-child and reductionofpopulationgrowthrates.

26.The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment totakeurgentactiontoalleviatethesituationofGirlChildreninEspeciallyDifficultCircumstances(GCEDC),includingthoseorphaned,disabledand/orexploited.Inthiscontext,theyendorsedtherecommendationsmadeby theCouncil ofMinisters, aimedat the creationof a socio-economicenvironmentintheSAARCregionwhichwouldprovideequalopportunitiestochildrenfromalleconomicsections.

27.Expressinggraveconcernatthetraffickingofwomenandchildrenwithinand between countries, the Heads of State or Government pledgedto coordinate their efforts and take effectivemeasures to address thisproblem.TheydecidedthatexistinglegislationinMemberStatesshouldbestrengthenedandstrictlyenforced.Thisshouldincludesimplificationofrepatriationproceduresforvictimsoftrafficking.Theyalsodecidedthatthe feasibility of establishing a Regional Convention on Combating theCrimeofTraffickinginWomenandChildrenforProstitutionbeexaminedbytherelevantTechnicalCommittee.

CHILDREN

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionthattheannualreviewsofthesituationofchildreninSAARCcountriesfortheyears1995and1996 revealed significantprogress in reducing infantmortality andinenhancingthecoverageof immunisationintheregion.TheystressedthatsustainedeffortsshouldbemadebyMemberStatestoconsolidatethe gains in these areas. In this regard, they welcomed the decision todesignate Seventh December, 1997 and Eighteenth January, 1998 as“SAARCPolioImmunisationDays”.

29.The Heads of State or Government resolved to implement appropriatepoliciesatthenationalleveltoachievethetargetsandobjectivessetoutin theRawalpindiDeclaration issuedat theendof theThirdMinisterialConferenceontheChildrenofSouthAsiaheldinAugust1996,includingthecalltoeliminatetheevilofchild-labourfromtheregionbytheyear2010A.D.Theycalledforstringentmeasurestoprotectchildrenfromallformsofexploitation.Tothisend,theLeadersagreedtosetupaStudyGroup at an appropriate level to examine the social compulsions thatcreatetheproblem.

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30.They reaffirmed their commitment to improve the statusof children indisadvantagedcircumstancesintheSAARCregion.Theyrecognisedthatthe problems of these children are inextricably linked to the prevailingsocio-economic conditions and problems of the region, and therefore,calledforaholisticapproachtoaddressthem.TheyexpressedtheneedtoformulateaConventiononRegionalArrangementsonthePromotionofChildWelfareinSouthAsiainlaunchingtheSAARCDecadeoftheRightsoftheChild,fromtheyear2001A.D.to2010A.D.

NUTRITION

31.Noting that malnutrition, often severe, is a serious concern in SouthAsia,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtolaunchanInitiativeonNutritionaimedatpromotionofavailabilityoffoodofessentialnutritionalvaluetoindividualhouseholdandevolvingpoliciesforsupplementingandfortifyingessentialmicro-nutrients,deficienciesofwhichhaveaffectedthewellbeingofthemostvulnerablesectionsofthepopulation,particularlywomenandchildren.

32.The Heads of State or Government emphasised that the provision of asafe, secure and clean environment was an essential pre-requisite forthe welfare of the most vulnerable sections of society in the region,particularly for the proper growth and development of children, andagreedontheneedforlaunchingtechnologymissionstodeveloplow-cost,easilyreplicabletechnologiesappropriatelocalconditionsforsustainableharvestingofwater,provisionofcleandrinkingwaterandsanitation.

YOUTH

33.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheoperationalizationoftheSAARCYouthAwardsSchemeandnotedthattheSchemewillbereviewedinthenearfuturewiththepurposeofexpandingit.TheyalsowelcomedtheinitiativetoorganizeYouthCampsintheregiononvariousthemes.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

34.Conscious of the continuing problems faced by disabled persons, theHeadsofStateorGovernment reaffirmed their resolve tocontinue theimplementationof the recommendationsof theMinisterial ConferenceonDisabledPersonsheldinIslamabadinDecember1993.

SHELTER

35.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedthathousingwasabasicrightofallpeopleandreiteratedtheirdeterminationtosustaineffortsto



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improvetheconditionofhumansettlementsintheregion,withaviewtoachievingtheglobalobjectiveof“ShelterforAllbytheYear2000”.

LITERACY

36.The Heads of State or Government recognised that illiteracy is one ofthemajorcausesimpedingthedevelopmentofthevasthumanresourcepotential of the region and amajor factor contributing to the region’seconomic backwardness and social imbalance. They noted that theMemberStateshadobserved“1996astheSAARCYearofLiteracy”andreiteratedtheircommitmenttocontinueendeavourstoeradicateilliteracyfromtheregion.

37.Recognising the resource, manpower and infrastructural constraintsto thepromotionofvocationalandhighereducation in the region, theLeadersagreedthatnewandinnovativemethodslikeOpenLearningandDistanceEducationcanplayaneffectiverole inmeetingregionalneedsinacosteffectiveandflexiblemanner.Accordingly,theyagreedthattheinstitutionalfacilitiesinsucheducationavailableintheregionshouldbeutilisedonaregionalscale.ThepossibilityofthecreationofaConsortiumofOpenUniversitiesintheregionshouldalsobeexplored.

ENVIRONMENT

38.The Heads of State or Government expressed concern about thecontinuing degradation of the environment in different parts of theworld including the SAARC region. While recognizing that collectiveinitiatives were required urgently to address the challenge posed bysuchdegradation, theynoted that unsustainable consumptionpatternsin the developed countries and widespread poverty in the developingcountries are major factors contributing to ecological degradation indifferentpartsoftheworld.Inthisregard,theynotedthatalthoughbothdevelopedanddevelopingcountrieswererequiredtoundertakespecificinitiativesto faceenvironmentalconcerns,stressshouldalsobe laidontheaccelerationofdevelopmentindevelopingcountriestoenablethemtofaceenvironmentalchallenges.

39.Reviewingtheworkcarriedoutintheareaofdisseminatinginformationontheproblemsofenvironmentaldegradationandtheir impactontheregion,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheurgentneedfortheimplementationoftherecommendationsoftheSAARCRegionalStudyontheGreenhouseEffectanditsImpactontheRegion,andtheRegionalStudy on the Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters and the

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ProtectionandPreservationoftheEnvironment.TheywelcomedtheofferoftheMaldivestohostameetingoftheSAARCEnvironmentMinisterstofocusmoredirectlyontheEnvironmentconcernsoftheregionincludingthe formulation of a Plan of Action for immediate implementation ofrecommendationscontainedinthetwoStudies,takingintoaccounttherecommendationsmade by theMeeting of the EnvironmentMinistersinNewDelhi inApril1997.TheLeaders felt that themeetingmayalsoconsiderthefeasibilityofdrawingupaRegionalTreatyonEnvironmentinthecontextofexistinginternationalConventionsonthesubject.TheyreiteratedtheirviewthatMemberStatesshouldtakeallnecessarystepsinvitalareassuchassharinganddevelopingscientificcapabilitiestoprotectandmanagetheenvironment.

40.The Heads of State or Government agreed on the urgent need forcooperationthroughexchangeofinformation,strategiesandtechnologiesforcombatingpollutionofairandwaterandforevolvingcommonminimumstandardswhichcouldbeappliedregion-wideinthisregard.Recognisingthe wealth of bio-diversity in the South Asian region and expressingconcern at the threat of its progressive depletion through degradationandfragmentation,theyaffirmedtheircommitmenttotakestepstowardstheprotectionandconservationofthesegeneticresources.Theynotedthatmanyareasrichinbio-diversityinSouthAsialayalongsharedbordersandagreed to cooperate in the creationof contiguousprotectedareaswhere identified. They also agreed to cooperate in the prevention ofillegaltraffickinginfloraandfaunaanddeviseanappropriatemechanismfor this purpose, including the possibility of concluding a Convention.Theydecidedthat themeetingofSAARCEnvironmentMinistersshouldbeinstitutionalisedhenceforthasanannualevent.

41.While expressing concern at the slow progress in the implementationof the Agenda 21, the Heads of State or Government called for theurgent implementation of the commitments, recommendations andagreements reachedat theUnitedNationsConferenceonEnvironmentandDevelopmentheldinRiodeJaneiroinJune1992.Inparticular,theyalsocalledfortheearlyimplementationoftheUnitedNationsFrameworkConventiononClimateChangeandtheadoptionofaProtocoloranotherlegalinstrumentforreductionofgreenhousegasemissionsbydevelopedcountries within an early timeframe, but not later than the year2005A.D.

42.The Heads of State or Government underlined the importance ofprojectinganeffective,andcoordinatedcollectivepositionofSAARCat



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theforthcomingSpecialSessionoftheUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblytoReviewandAppraisetheImplementationofAgenda21.Inthisregard,they fullyendorsedtheNewDelhiDeclaration issuedat theendof theSAARCMinisterialConferenceonEnvironmentheldfrom2-3April1997,asamendedattheEighteenthSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

TERRORISM AND DRUG TRAFFICKING

43.Recognising that terrorismanddrugtraffickingposeaserious threat tosecurityandstabilityofMemberStates,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirfirmcommitmenttocombattheseactivitiesintheregion.They emphasised the urgent need to complete enabling legislation inorderto implementtheSAARCRegionalConventionsonSuppressionofTerrorismandonNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstances.

44.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledtheadoptionofthe1996UNDeclarationonMeasurestoEliminateInternationalTerrorismandurgedallMemberStates towork towards its implementation.Theycalled forinternationalactiontopreventtheabuseofRefugeeConventionsandtohaltactivitieswhichhelpterroristgroupstocollectfundsfortheiractivitiesinSouthAsia.

45.The Heads of State or Government noted the establishment of theSAARCTerroristOffencesMonitoringDesk(STOMD)andtheSAARCDrugOffencesMonitoringDesk(SDOMD)inColombo.TheyagreedontheneedtomaintainregularflowofrelevantinformationtoenabletheMonitoringDeskstofunctioneffectively.

46.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithappreciationtheconveningof the First SAARC Conference on Cooperation in Police Matters inColomboduringJuly1996.TheyendorsedtheoutcomeoftheConference,particularly,thecallforsharingofexpertisewithregardtothedifferentareas of police investigation and investigation of organised crime anddrugrelatedcrimes.TheywelcomedtheofferoftheMaldivestohostthesecondConferencein1997.


47.Noting that cooperation in the field of Science and Technology wasimperative in ensuring the acceleration of the process of developmentintheregionandrecognisingtheprogressmadeinthisfield,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasisedtheneedtocontinuecooperationinthisarea,especially infacilitatingresearchandexchangeof information

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in the fields of bio-technology, genetic engineering, energy modellingtechniquesandlow-costhousingandbuildingtechnologies.

TOURISM

48.Emphasisingthattourismplaysanimportantroleinpromotingpeopletopeoplecontactintheregion,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheimportanceofstrengtheningcooperationwiththeaimofrealisingitsfullpotentialintheregion.Theywereconvincedthatgreatercooperationin this area would contribute to the enhancement of people-to-peoplecontact within the region as well as to the economic development ofMemberStates.

49.The Heads of State or Government noted that organised tourism inSouthAsiahasnotyetachieveditsfullpotential,andrecommendedthatappropriatemeasures topromote tourismbegivenpriority,and in thisregard,welcomed the offer of Sri Lanka to host the SAARCMinisterialMeetingonTourisminColomboin1997.


50.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their conviction thatenhanced people-to-people contact would contribute to strengtheningmutualunderstandingandgoodwillamongthepeopleintheregion.Inthiscontext,theynotedthepositivecontributionmadebySAARCChamberofCommerceandIndustry(SCCI)andSAARCLAW.

51.TheyobservedthatSAARCChairs,FellowshipsandScholarshipsSchemeshould be increasingly used to facilitate greater interaction amongstudents,scholarsandacademicsintheregion.

52.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheinclusionofnewcategoriesofpersonsfromdifferentwalksoflifeintheSAARCVisaExemptionSchemeandbelievedthatthiswouldfurtherpromotepeople-to-peoplecontact.

53.TheynotedtheofferofSriLankatohosttheFirstSAARCFilmFestivalinColomboin1998tocoincidewiththe50thanniversaryoftheIndependenceofSriLanka.

54.The Heads of State or Government agreed that the SAARC countriespossessenormoustourismpotentialthatshouldbeproperlyutilisedforthebenefitofthepeopleoftheregion.Inthiscontext,theydecidedthatthecivilaviationauthoritiesofMemberStatesshouldmeet in theverynearfuturewithaviewtoestablishingdirectairservicesbetweenSAARC



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capitalswhichwouldpromotepeople-to-peoplecontactandencouragetourism.TheywelcomedtheofferofBangladeshtohostthefirstmeetingofthecivilaviationauthorities.


55.While expressing satisfaction that the South Asian Development Fund(SADF)hadbeenestablishedinJune1996initiallywithitsheadquartersinDhaka,Bangladesh,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedtheneedtomaketheFundoperationalattheearliest.


56.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment todevelop collective SAARC positions in international fora on issues ofcommonconcern,inordertoenhancetheinternationalprofileofSouthAsiaaswellas toenableMemberStates toarticulate theirpositiononsuch issues inamoreeffectivemanner. In this regard, theynotedwithsatisfactionthecollectiveSAARCpositionsfinalisedandpresentedpriortotheFourthWorldConferenceonWomenheldinBeijinginSeptember1995,HABITATIIheldinIstanbul inJune1996,andWorldFoodSummitheldinRomeinNovember1996.TheyalsoexpressedsatisfactionwiththeformulationofaSAARCcommonpositionbeforetheforthcomingSpecialSessionoftheUnitedNationsGeneralAssemblytoReviewandAppraisetheImplementationofAgenda21.


57.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatsmallstates,becauseof their particular vulnerabilities, require special measures of supportfrom the international community for safeguarding their sovereignindependenceandterritorialintegrity.Theyfurtherreaffirmedtheirviewthatsuchsupport shouldbefirmly rooted in thescrupulousadherenceto the UN Charter, the rule of law and strict adherence to universallyacceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatedtosovereignrightsandterritorialintegrityofallStatesirrespectiveofsize.This,theyemphasised,maybeensuredbyallcountrieseitherseverallyorcollectivelythroughthepursuitofappropriateaction.


58.The Heads of State or Government had wide ranging discussions oncurrent international issues, particularly those that affect South Asia.

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Inthiscontext, reiteratingtheirdeepcommitmenttothepurposesandprinciplesoftheUNCharter,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledthatthecommemorationofthe50thanniversaryofthefoundingoftheUnitedNationsinOctober1995hadhighlightedtheneedtostrengthen,revitalizeand reformtheOrganization.They reiterated their support totheon-goingprocessofrestructuringandrevitalizingtheOrganizationandreaffirmedtheirresolvetomakeitamoreeffectiveuniversalinstrumentforaddressinginternationalissuesonanequitableanddemocraticbasis,takingfullaccountoftheinterestsandconcernsofallstates.

59.Addressing thequestionof reformof theUnitedNations, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentlaidparticularemphasisontheprincipleofsovereignequalityofStatesandonequitablegeographicalrepresentationinregardtothequestionofincreaseinthemembershipoftheSecurityCouncil.TheyrecognisedtheneedtomaketheSecurityCouncilmorerepresentative,democraticand transparent, so that it is betterequipped touphold itsresponsibilityforthemaintenanceofinternationalpeaceandsecurity.

60.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirfirmcommitmenttotheprinciplesandobjectivesoftheNon-AlignedMovement(NAM)andunderscored the continued validity and relevance of these principlesand objectives in the contemporary world. They expressed their deepconvictionthattheMovement’sinnatestrengthequipsittocontinuetoplay amost constructive role in laying the foundationsof a newworldorderbasedontheruleoflaw,non-interference,equityandcooperation.

61.The Heads of State or Government while expressing support to thecontinuationofthepeaceprocessintheMiddleEast,expressedconcernat thesetback to thepeaceprocessandunleashingofviolenceagainstPalestinianpeopleinoccupiedterritoriesandtheresultingthreattothepeaceprocessduetopoliciesoftheGovernmentofIsraelinestablishingand enlarging existing Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinianterritories. They were convinced that the peace process should becontinued by honouring previous commitments made by all partiesinvolved.TheyalsocalledfortherestorationoftheinalienablerightsofthePalestinianpeople,includingtherightofselfdeterminationandtheestablishmentofasovereignStateundertheleadershipofPLO,theirsolelegitimate representative, which could co-exist with its neighbours inpeaceandharmony.

62.Noting that the end of the Cold War had created unprecedentedopportunities in the field of disarmament, the Heads of State or



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Government recognised the need for the international community topursuenucleardisarmamentasamatterofhighestpriority.Inthisregard,they recognised theneed to startnegotiations through theConferenceonDisarmamentandtoestablishaphasedprogrammeforthecompleteelimination of nuclear weapons within a specified framework of time,includingaNuclearWeaponsConvention.

63.While reiterating their commitment to the promotion and protectionofhumanrights,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentresolvedtotakeallnecessarystepstoachievethisobjective.

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES

64.The Heads of State or Government noted that current trends ofglobalisation and liberalisation were imposing a heavy burden ondeveloping economies, in particular, the least developed countries(LDCs) which are becoming marginalised from the mainstream of theworld economy. They also expressed concern over trends to erect newprotectionist barriers by linking imports from developing countries topolitically motivated social and environmental values and concerns,suchashumanrights.Theyobservedthattheimpactofthesetrendsiscompoundedbynewchallengesrelatingto issuesofaccesstomarkets,capital and new technologies. They also noted with regret the overalldeclineintheOfficialDevelopmentAssistance(ODA)overtheyearswhichhascontributedtotheaggravationoftheconditionoftheLDCs.

65.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedthepromotionofanon-discriminatory and multilateral rule-based global system of economicrelationsinordertoengagethedevelopingcountriesconstructivelyandonthebasisofreciprocalsharedbenefitsintheprocessofliberalisation,aswellastoassistthemintegrateintotheglobaleconomy.

66.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalledonthedevelopedcountriestoassistthedevelopingcountriesthroughthecreationofafavourableandsupportiveglobaleconomicenvironment,inparticular,throughdomesticaction in their countries for purposes of accelerating investment flowsto developing countries thereby generating a positive impact on thedevelopmental effortsofdeveloping countriesaswell as assisting theirintegration into themultilateral tradingsystem.Theyalsocalledonthedevelopedcountriestosubstantiallyreducetariffandnon-tariffbarriersanddesistfromrestrictivetradepractices,whichwouldnegativelyaffecttheaccessofdevelopingcountriestoglobalmarkets.

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SPECIAL MEASURES FOR THE LEAST DEVELOPED AND LAND-LOCKED COUNTRIES

67.The Heads of State or Government emphasised the need for priorityactiononvarious internationaldevelopmentcommitments,suchastheParisDeclarationandtheProgrammeofActionforLDCsforthe1990s.

68.While noting with deep concern that economic growth in the LeastDevelopedandLand-LockedCountriesisnotprogressingwell,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheneedto takespecialmeasures foraccelerating the process of development. They emphasized the needto fulfil the internationally agreed aid targets for ensuring acceleratedand sustained economic growth in developing countries particularly intheLeastDevelopedCountries.TheystressedontheneedforadequateresourcestofacilitateimplementationofeconomicreformprogrammesinSAARCcountries.

69.The Heads of State or Government emphasised that the review of thecriteriaforthedeterminationofLDCstatusforconsiderationbytheUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly this year,must take intoaccount the specialsignificanceoftheextentandmagnitudeof incidenceofpoverty inthepoorestcountriesandthespecialvulnerabilitiesofsmallislandstates.

DATES AND VENUE OF THE TENTH MEETING OF THE HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT.

70.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentacceptedwithdeepappreciationtheofferof theGovernmentofSriLankatohost theTenthSAARCSummit.TheyfurtherdecidedthattheEleventhandTwelfthSummitswillbeheldinNepalandPakistan,respectively.

71.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentofBangladesh,Bhutan,India,Nepal,Pakistan and Sri Lanka expressed their sincere appreciation for theexemplarymannerinwhichthePresidentoftheRepublicoftheMaldiveshadconductedtheMeetingandguideditsproceedingsinhiscapacityasChairman.TheyexpressedtheirdeepgratitudeforthewarmandgeneroushospitalityextendedtothembytheGovernmentandthepeopleoftheMaldivesandfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheMeeting.



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COLOMBO DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Tenth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 31st July, 1998.

INTRODUCTION

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencySheikhHasina;Chairman,CouncilofMinistersandHeadofGovernmentoftheRoyalGovernmentofBhutan,HisExcellencyLyonpoJigmiY.Thinley;thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyMr.AtalBehariVajpayee; thePresidentof theRepublicofMaldives,HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom;thePrimeMinisteroftheKingdomofNepal,Rt. Hon. Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala; the Prime Minister of the IslamicRepublic of Pakistan,His ExcellencyMr.MuhammadNawaz Sharif; andthe President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, HerExcellencyMrs.ChandrikaBandaranaikeKumaratungametat theTenthSummitoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)atColombofromJuly29to31,1998,intheyearoftheGoldenJubileeoftheIndependenceofSriLanka.


2. TheHeads of State or Government re-affirmed their firm commitmentto theobjectives,principlesandprovisionsof theCharterof theSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)andtothepursuitofregionalcooperationonthebasisoftheiracceptanceoftheprinciplesofsovereignequality, territorial integrityofStates,political independence,non-interference in each others internal affairs, non-use of force, thepeacefulsettlementofalldisputesandmutualityofbenefit.

3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthattherichpotentialforproductive,equitableregionalcooperationamongtheGovernmentsandpeopleofSouthAsiawhichaccountsforafifthofhumanityshouldbefullyrealised.

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CULTURAL UNITY

4. The Heads of State or Government recognized that South Asia, whilereflecting a rich, complex and varied plurality of cultural and religioustraditions,washeirtoaprofoundcommoncivilizationalcontinuumofgreatantiquitywhich constitutes a historical basis for sustaining harmoniousrelationsamong thepeopleof the region.Theyacknowledged that theSAARCprocesscoulddrawmoredeeplyfromthevitalityandstrengthofSouthAsia’ssharedculturalheritageasasourceinfluencingandenhancingcreativeenergiesinallfields.

5. TheHeadsof StateorGovernmentwelcomed theofferof Sri Lanka tohostameetingof theMinistersofCulturalAffairsofSAARCtopreparea practical Action Plan to network the national institutes of culturalrelationsandtoestablishaSouthAsianCulturalCentertopromotethedistinctiveartsofSouthAsia.TheyrequestedtheGovernmentofSriLankatocirculateaconceptpaperontheissuestobeaddressedbythemeetingincludingfinancingarrangementsfortheproposedinstitute.


6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernment reiterated their commitment to thepromotionofmutual trustandunderstandingand,recognisingthattheaims of promoting peace, stability and amity and accelerated socio-economiccooperationmaybestbeachievedbyfosteringgoodneighbourlyrelations,relievingtensionsandbuildingconfidence,agreedthataprocessofinformalpoliticalconsultationswouldproveusefulinthisregard.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentfurtherrecognizedthatthisprocesswouldcontributetotheappreciationofeachother’sproblemsandperceptionsaswellasfordecisiveactioninagreedareasofregionalcooperation.

APPRAISAL OF SAARC ACTIVITIES

7. The Heads of State or Government continued their review of thenature,extent,andeffectivenessofthecooperativeactivitiesofSAARC.They considered the Report and Recommendations of the Group ofEminentPersonsmandatedby theNinthSummit inMalé toundertakeacomprehensiveappraisalofSAARCandtodevelopanAgendafor2000andbeyond.TheyexpressedappreciationfortheChairmanoftheNinthSummit, His Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the President ofthe Maldives for convening the Group of Eminent Persons (GEP) andencouragingthemtocompletetheirworkwithinthetimeframegiventothembytheNinthSAARCSummit.



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8. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirectedtheCouncilofMinisters toexamine the Report of the Group of Eminent Persons in depth at theirnextSession,takingintoconsiderationtheviewsofMemberStateswithregardtotheviabilityoftherecommendationsandthemethodoftheirimplementation.

SAARC IN THE CHANGING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentassessedtheimplicationsofcurrentglobal economic developments on the economies of South Asia andother developing countries. They noted the profundity of the wide-spreadchangesbeingeffectedintheeconomic,technological,socialandinformation fields and their apparent unpredictability. They expressedserious concern over the severe distortions produced by the processof unrestrained globalisation as has been evidenced in the downturnofeconomiesof severalAsianStates.Thechallengesandopportunitiesinherentinthesefastevolvingdevelopmentscouldbestbemetandthefull potential of SouthAsia realized through effective practical regionalandbilateralcooperationamongMemberStates.

10.They noted that the benefits of the so described “liberalization” havebeendisappointinglyasymmetricalwiththeprocessproceedingatamuchslowerpaceinareasofspecialinteresttodevelopingcountries.Increasedopportunities in tradeand investmenthavebypassedmanydevelopingcountries. The Least Developed Countries have in particular beenmarginalisedthroughaseriesofdevelopmentsincludingtheshrinkingofODA,concessionalandotherfinancialflowstothesecountries.

11.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheinitiationoflinksbetweenSAARCandeconomicunionsand tradinggroups thatwereemerging inthe wake of globalization and liberalization and considered how bestrelationshipsofmutualbenefitcouldbeestablished.

12.The Heads of State or Government observed that following the WTOMinisterial Conference in Geneva, a process has been initiated at theWTOwhereimplementationissues,builtinagendaissues,issuesarisingout of the WTO Ministerial Conference and other multi-lateral tradeissueswillbeconsideredwithaviewtomakingrecommendationstothenext Ministerial Conference of the WTO in 1999. These issues and thedecisions arising from this process will have far-reaching consequencesfor our development strategies and prospects. The Heads of State or

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Government,therefore,resolvedthatSAARCcountrieswouldendeavourtocoordinatetheirdecisionsontheseissuesinareasofcommonconcernso as to protect and promote the interest of the developing countries.Theyexpressedconcernabouttheerectionofprotectionistbarriersandthetendencytoimposearbitrary“norms”relatingtolabourconditions,environmental regulations, governance and other extraneous issues toregulate trade exchanges,whichwould amount to additional non-tariffbarriers, that would have the effect of restricting market access fordeveloping countries including preferential access by Least DevelopedCountries(LDCs)intomarketsofdevelopedcountries.Theyagreedontheneedforcollectivestrategiestopromotearule-based,non-discriminatoryand equitable international trading system in which the interests andconcernsofdevelopingcountrieswouldbefullysafeguardedandserved.

13.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatemergingissuesrelatingtocopyright,patentsandmarketingfranchisesincludingonfoodgrains,plantsandherbs indigenoustoSouthAsiarequirefirmcollectiveresponsestopreservethesebio-resources fromunregulatedcommercialexploitationbyextra-regionalinterests.Theyemphasizedinthisregard,theprincipleofsustainabledevelopmentofbio-resourcesandtheprovisionsoftheUNConventiononBio-diversitywhichprovidedforregulatedaccesstosuchresourcesontermsandconditionstobeagreeduponwiththeState inwhichsuchresourcesarelocated.

14.The Heads of State or Government cautioned that potential efforts toformulateanewMultilateralInvestmentAgreementshouldnotoverlooktheneedtoensurethecontinuedindependenceofdevelopingcountriesand LeastDevelopedCountries (LDCs) to formulate specific investmentpoliciesappropriatetotheirstageofdevelopment.

15.While reviewing the beneficial effects of globalization, the Heads ofStateorGovernmentstressedthefactthatsystemiccrisesarebecomingunpredictablewithincreasedglobalization.Theyexpressedtheirconcernabout the shortcomings of the international monetary and financialsystem,anditstardinessinanticipatingimpendingfinancialmarketcrisessufficientlyinadvance,sothatpre-emptiveremedialactionbeadopted.They noted that the problem is systemic, and not unique to Asia, norconfinedtoemergingeconomies,andthatitcanhaveglobalramifications,unlessmorefundamentalreformsareputinplace.

16.They recognized the risk that ad-hoc approaches, however prompt,oncecrisessupervene,mayleadtoexcessivesocialcostsintheattempt



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to restore financial discipline. More effective social safety nets would,therefore, need to be devised for protecting vulnerable groups and amoreappropriatebalancebetweenfinancingandadjustmentfoundinareformedinternationalsystemorarchitecture,ifboththeeconomicandsocialaspirationsofSAARCcountriesaretoberealized.TheyacknowledgedtheneedtostrengthentheindividualfinancialsystemsofSAARCcountriesthroughenhancinginstitutionalcapacity,surveillancemechanismsaswellasthroughcloserconsultationson,andcoordinationofmacro-economicpolicieswhereappropriate.

17.The Heads of State or Government recognized that notwithstandingall national and regional endeavours for economic development andfinancialstability,thepervasiveglobaleconomicenvironmentcontinuedtoexertamajor,sometimesnegativeinfluenceontheoutcomeoftheseendeavours.

18.Against this background of the need to address systemic issues, theyagreedonthevitalimperativeforstrengthenedcooperationamongSAARCMembers to identify,analyzeandeffectively contendwith thecomplexmulti-faceted challenges inherent in the global economic environmentthatischangingsoradically,particularlyinthislastdecadeprecedingthenewmillennium.TheyacknowledgedtheneedtoenhancethecollectivecapacityofSAARCinrespectofpolicyanalysis,withaspecificemphasisoninternationalfinancial,monetary,tradeand investment issuesandtheirdomesticramifications.

19.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoexpressedtheirabhorrenceoverthepracticeofimpositionofunilateralcoerciveeconomicmeasuresasaninstrument of policy against developing countries. They called for theirimmediatecessation.

20.They stressed the need for more efficient capacity building to enableinformeddecision-making intheseareastoenable innovativecollectiveintervention to safeguard South Asian interests in internationalnegotiations, aswell as to develop someedge for effective leverage insuch negotiations. The Heads of State or Government agreed on theurgentneedforharnessingtherichintellectualandresourcecapacityofSouthAsiaforthispurpose.

21.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrequestedSriLanka,asChairpersonofthe10thSummit, toconductconsultationswithMemberStates fortheconveningofanetworkofresearcherscomprisingmembersofthePrivateSector,CentralBanks,PlanningMinistries,ResearchInstitutesandeminent

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economistsnominatedbyGovernmentstoidentify,analyseandhelpSAARCfaceduptocurrentglobal,financialandeconomicdevelopmentsaffectingtheregion.TheyrequestedSriLankatoco-ordinateonnecessarypracticalmeasureswhilekeepingMemberStatesinformedinthematter.HeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferofSriLankatohostameetinginColomboofrepresentativesofSAARC,nominatedbytheirGovernmentstostudythematterfurtherandreportwithpractical recommendationsonthematterinadvanceofthe21stSessionoftheCouncilofMinisterstofacilitateearlydecisions.

ACCELERATION OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION

22.The Heads of State or Government assessed progress made in the tworoundsofnegotiationsalreadyundertakenunderSAPTA.TheydecidedthatthethirdroundshouldbeconcludedwellbeforetheTwenty-firstSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedthattoaccelerateprogress in thenext roundofSAPTAnegotiations,deeperpreferentialtariffconcessionsshouldbeextendedtoproductswhicharebeingactively traded,orare likely tobe traded,amongMembers; thatdiscriminatorypracticesandnon-tariffbarriersshouldbesimultaneouslyremovedon items in respectofwhich tariffconcessionsaregrantedorhavebeengrantedearlier.Measures toremovestructural impedimentsshouldalsobetakeninordertomovespeedilytowardsthegoalofSAFTA.TheyalsodirectedthatdomesticcontentrequirementsunderSAPTARulesofOriginshouldbereducedandthattheSAPTACommitteeofParticipantsshould meet by mid-October ’98 in Colombo to finalise the extent ofreductioninkeepingwiththedecisionoftheSecondSAARCCommerceMinisters’Meeting. TheHeadsof StateorGovernment reaffirmed thatmeasures to enable smaller and Least Developed Countries to benefitequitablyfromeconomicliberalizationwerespeciallyimportant.

23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheimportanceofachievingSAFTAasmandatedbytheNinthSAARCSummit.Tothisendtheydecidedthat a Committee of Experts, in consultation with Member States, beconstitutedwith specific Termsof Reference (TOR) toworkondraftingacomprehensivetreatyregimeforcreatingafreetradearea.TheHeadsof State or Government expressed the view that such a treaty mustincorporate,amongotherthings,bindingtime-framesforfreeingtrade,measures to facilitate trade, and provisions to ensure an equitabledistributionofbenefitsof trade toall states, especially for smaller andleast developed countries, including mechanisms for compensation of



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revenueloss.Theyemphasisedtheimportanceoffinalisingthetextoftheregulatoryframeworkbytheyear2001.

24.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedthatthebenefitsofeconomicliberalizationwouldbemoreextensiveandbetterbalancedthroughthepromotion of trade- creating joint ventures, investment and trade inservicessuchastourism.

25.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheoutcomeoftheSecondMeetingoftheSAARCCommerceMinisters in Islamabadandwelcomed their decision to coordinate SAARC’s position on issuesofcommonconcernattheWTO.TheywelcomedinthisconnectiontheDeclarationissuedbytheSAARCCommerceMinistersontheeveoftheSecondWTOMinisterialMeetinginGeneva,settingoutaSAARCapproachontheseissues.RecognizingthatcriticalissueswouldbedecidedattheThirdWTOMinisterialConferenceintheUSAin1999,theHeadsofStateorGovernmenturgedSAARCCommerceMinisterstoworkcloselywithaviewtoevolvingbetterco-ordinatedpositionsonallissues.TheydirectedtheConsultativeGroupofSAARCPermanentRepresentativestotheWTOatGeneva toconsult closelywith like-mindedcountries toadvance theinterestsofdevelopingcountriesatallWTOConferences.

26.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheprogressmadeinpreparationsfortheSecondSAARCTradeFairtobeheldinSriLankafromSeptember8-15,1998.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferofBangladeshtohosttheThirdMeetingofSAARCCommerceMinistersin1999andtheofferofPakistantostagetheThirdSAARCTradeFairin1999.

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CONTACT

27.The Heads of State or Government noted arrangements being finalizedbySri Lanka tohost theFirst SAARCFilmFestival inColombo in1998 incommemorationofthe50thAnniversaryoftheIndependenceofSriLanka.

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedthatmoreconvenienttravelconnectionsbetweenSAARCcountrieswereessentialtofacilitatefruitfulinteractionamongpeopleintheregion,inparticular,professionalgroups,creativeartistes,pilgrimsandjournalists.

29.The Heads of State or Government considered means of encouragingmore productive cooperation and collaboration between governmentsandtheprivatesectors,includinginthecommissioningofstudiesrelatingtoregionaleconomicinteraction.

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30.They welcomed the contribution made by the SAARC Chamber ofCommerce and Industry in facilitating the engagement of the privatesectorinregionaleconomicinteractionaswellasinitiatinglinkageswithotherregionsforthepurposeofpromotingSAARCexports.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatadocumententitled“RoadMaptoSAFTA”waspresentedbythePresidentoftheSAARCChamberofCommerceandIndustry(SCCI)totheChairpersonoftheTwentiethSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

LINKS WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

31.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedlinksinitiatedbetweenSAARCandotherinternationalandregionalorganizations.Theyconsideredtheprospects for the development of SAARC projects and programmes inassociationwith such organizationswithwhich SAARC has cooperativearrangementsaswellasthroughotherformsofcooperation.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthatpriorityneedstobegiveninestablishingcontactwiththoseregionalgroupingswhichhaveexperienceineconomiccooperationandfunctionalregionalcooperation.

32.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsonotedproposals fordevelopingcooperation between SAARC and individual States outside the region.TheyrequestedtheCouncilofMinisterstoconsidersuchproposalswithaviewtodevelopingsuchcontactsonthebasisofmutualbenefitandfortheadvancementofSAARCobjectives.

PROJECTION OF COMMON POSITIONS

33.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their resolve to promotethe articulationof joint positions at theUnitedNations andother forawheresuchactionwouldbe intheclear interestofallmembersof theAssociation.

SUB-REGIONAL COOPERATION

34.WiththeobjectiveofenhancingregionalsolidarityandpromotingoveralldevelopmentwithinSAARC,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentencouragedthedevelopmentofspecificprojectsrelevanttotheindividualneedsofthreeormoreMemberStatesundertheprovisionsofArticlesVIIandXoftheCharter.



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35.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedthatduetotheirparticularvulnerability, small States require special measures of support fromthe international community for the safeguarding of their sovereignindependenceandterritorialintegrity.Theyreiteratedthatrealprotectionof small States shouldbefirmly rooted in scrupulousadherence to theUNCharter,theruleoflawandstrictadherencetouniversallyacceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatedtosovereignrightsandterritorial integrityof all States irrespective of size. This, they stressed should be ensuredbyallthecountrieseitherseverallyorcollectivelythroughthepursuitofappropriateaction.

SPECIAL MEASURES FOR LEAST DEVELOPED AND LAND-LOCKED COUNTRIES

36.The Heads of State or Government emphasised the need for priorityactiononvarious internationaldevelopmentcommitments,suchastheParisDeclarationandtheProgrammeofActionforLDCsforthe1990s.

37.While noting with deep concern that economic growth in the LeastDevelopedandLand-LockedCountriesisnotprogressingwell,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheneedto takespecialmeasures foraccelerating the process of development. They emphasised the needto fulfil the internationally agreed aid targets for ensuring acceleratedand sustained economic growth in developing countries particularly intheLeastDevelopedCountries.TheystressedontheneedforadequateresourcestofacilitateimplementationofeconomicreformprogrammesinSAARCcountries.

38.The Heads of State or Government emphasised that the review of thecriteriaforthedeterminationofLDCstatusforconsiderationbytheUnitedNationsGeneralAssembly this year,must take intoaccount the specialsignificanceoftheextentandmagnitudeof incidenceofpoverty inthepoorestcountriesandthespecialvulnerabilitiesofsmallislandstates.

EDUCATION AND LITERACY

39.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereinagreementthatilliteracywasamajorimpedimenttoeconomicdevelopmentandsocialemancipationand that the eradication of illiteracy in the Region including throughco-operative endeavours within SAARC must continue to be pursuedresolutely.

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40.The Heads of State or Government noted that the concepts of OpenLearningandDistanceEducationcouldhelpsubstantiallytowardsequalopportunitiesandaccesstoknowledge.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirected that SAARC should build on the substantial expertise alreadyexistingintheRegioninthefieldofopeneducation,byestablishingaSAARCForumofViceChancellorsofOpenUniversities.ThisForum,consistingofregionalleadersinthefield,shouldstrengthencooperationinareassuchasthesharingandjointdevelopmentofprogrammes,credittransfersforspecificprogrammesandthetranslationofexistingprogrammes.

41.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenturged theForum, to spearhead thedevelopmentofdistanceeducationoutsidetheOpenUniversitySystemas well, drawing on the advances in Information Technology, to reachout to the remote and under-privileged sections. They welcomed theofferofSriLankatohostameetingofVice-ChancellorsofSAARCOpenUniversitiesduringthelastquarterof1998todiscussthemodalitiesfortheestablishmentoftheForumandtodrawupaprogrammetoachievetheobjectivesidentifiedbytheHeadsofStateorGovernment.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrequestedtheForumtoreporttotheStandingCommitteeonacontinuousbasisonitsprogrammes.


42.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedthecommitmentofSAARCtotheeradicationofpovertyintheRegionattheearliestpossible,preferablyby the year 2002. They emphasised the need to encourage maximumparticipationbytargetgroupsintheformulationandimplementationofpovertyeradicationprogrammes.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthatsuchparticipationisessentialforsuccessofeffortsinthisfield.TheystressedtheneedforeffectiveutilisationoftheSAARCThree-TierMechanismonPovertyEradicationandinthatcontextwelcomedtheofferoftheGovernmentofPakistantohostthenextmeetingoftheSAARCFinance/PlanningMinistersundertheMechanisminOctober1998.

43.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthattheSouthAsiancountrieshave provided leadership in developing and implementing MicroCredit Programmes, which have immense potential to contribute totheeradicationofpoverty. Theywereof theview that their respectiveprogrammesinthisregardhaveproventobeeffectiveandMemberStateswould benefit by sharing experiences and exchanging information andexpertiseinthisimportantarea.



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44.The Heads of State or Government noted that Human ResourceDevelopmentisakeyelementinanypovertyeradicationprogramme.TheHeads of State or Government, therefore, agreed that once the SAARCCentreforHumanResourceDevelopmentinIslamabadisestablished,itcouldlookintothepossibilityofitscontributingtothestrengtheningofthe human resource development components of the regional povertyeradicationprogrammes.

SOCIAL CHARTER

45.The Heads of State or Government reviewed the progress made inthe social sector by SAARC and determined that, in order to increaseeffectiveness, itwould be necessary to develop, beyondnational plansof action, a regional dimension of action including a specific role forSAARC.Inthiscontext,theyagreedthatitwouldbenecessaryforSAARCtodevelopaSocialCharter,whichwouldfocusondrawinguptargetswithabroadrange tobeachievedacross the region in theareasofpovertyeradication,populationstabilisation,theempowermentofwomen,youthmobilisation,humanresourcedevelopment,thepromotionofhealthandnutritionandtheprotectionofchildren.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentfurtherdirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoinitiateworkondrawingupaSocialCharter.

COMMUNICATIONS

46.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the results of the FirstConference of SAARC Communication Ministers held in Colombo inMay, 1998. They noted that technological advances were makingtelecommunications an important medium for socio-economicdevelopmentanddevelopingcommercialandbusinessrelationsaswellas promotion of people-to-people contact. They called for the speedyimplementationofthePlanofActionadoptedbytheFirstMeetingoftheSAARCCommunicationMinisters.

TOURISM

47.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedthatfurthereffortswererequiredforSouthAsiatoeffectivelytaptheeconomicpotentialaffordedbytheglobaltouristindustryaswellastoencourageintra-SAARCtourism.They welcomed the convening of the First SAARC Tourism Ministers’Meeting in Colombo as a step towards this end and called for theeffective implementationof its decisions, including the encouragement

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ofactiveprivate sectorparticipation in thepromotionof tourism,bothintra-regionallyand internationally, simplificationofvisa-procedures fortouristsandpilgrims,moreconvenientairandothertravel linksamongSAARCcountriesincludingspecialregionalfaresandtheco-ordinationofactivitiesoftouroperators.

48.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentidentifiedtheneedtostrengthentheexistingairservicesbetweentheirrespectiveCapitals,withaviewtobothfacilitatingtourismaswellaspeopletopeoplecontacts.Theycalledinthisregard,foranearlymeetingoftheChairpersons/ChiefExecutiveOfficersofthenationalairlines.


49.The Heads of State or Government noted that the development of aregional self-reliancecapability forSouthAsia in scientific researchanddevelopmentwas essential, given a global context inwhich barriers tothefreeflowoftechnologystillremainedinplace.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentappreciatedtheeffortstofosterundertheSAARCumbrella,collectivecooperationinthisfield.

50.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferbytheGovernmentof India to hold a Special Meeting of SAARC Science and TechnologyMinisters to consider a SAARC Technology Initiative to Identify andimplement specific regional projects in rural areas which would havethedirect impact in improvingtheday-to-daylifeofpeoplethere.Suchaninitiativecouldincluderuraltelecommunications,drinkingwaterandsanitationandimprovementoflifestandards.

51.The Heads of State or Government reiterated their earlier call for theeffectiveandrapidinstitutionalizationofSAARCcooperationinthefieldofbio-technology.TheypointedoutthatSouthAsiawithitsvastreservoirof bio-diversity and tropical climate, has substantial potential for bio-industry development on a sustainable basis. Many of the food andnutritional needsof the SAARC region couldbemetby theapplicationof bio-technology. Contemporary developments in intellectual propertyand patent law, moreover, heightened the need for vigilance againstencroachmentontheregionalbio-diversityheritagebyexternalentities.

52.The Heads of State or Government accordingly requested the StandingCommittee, with assistance of the SAARC Secretariat, to report to theforthcomingTwenty-FirstSessionoftheCouncilofMinistersonpracticaland cost effective measures towards rapidly operationalising SAARCcooperationinbio-technology.



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ENVIRONMENT

53.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirdeepsatisfactionatthepositiveoutcomeoftheEnvironmentMinisters’ConferenceheldinMaléinOctober1997,andcalledfortheeffectiveandearlyimplementationoftheSAARCEnvironmentActionPlan.Inthiscontext,theywelcomedtheofferofMaldivestoprepareafeasibilitystudyontheestablishmentofaCoastalZoneManagementCentre.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsocommitted their governments to prepare National Environment ActionPlansandStateoftheEnvironmentReportsbeforetheendof1998.

54.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirsatisfactionovertheadoption of a common position by Member States prior to the ThirdSessionoftheConferenceofthePartiestotheUnitedNationsFrameworkConvention on Climate Change, held in Kyoto, Japan and welcomedthe adoption of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations FrameworkConventiononClimateChangeinDecember1997,andunderscoredtheimportanceoftheProtocolfortheprotectionoftheclimatesystem.TheyurgedallindustrialcountriestoratifytheProtocolandtoundertakeurgentandeffectivestepstoimplementthecommitmentsundertakenbythemtoreducetheiremissionsofgreen-housegases.

55.The Heads of State or Government also emphasised the need forcomplementary action by organisations and institutions in the regionin their efforts to protect the environment and achieve sustainabledevelopmentintheregion.

56.The Heads of State or Government noted that the SAARC EnvironmentMinisterswouldbemeetinginSriLankainlate1998.TheyurgedthattheMinistersshouldatthis forthcomingmeetingalsomandateanyspecificmeasures required for SAARC to further strengthen cooperation onenvironment issues, with other international or regional organizationsengagedinthesamefield.

YOUTH

57.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentaffirmedtheimportancetheyattachedtoprovidingadequateopportunitiestoyouthinSouthAsiatoparticipateproductively in national development and underscored the need fordevelopingprogrammesinthisregardatthenationalandregionallevels.

CHILDREN

58.RecallingtargetsandobjectivessetoutintheRawalpindiDeclarationof1996,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatthe1997Reviewofthe

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SituationofChildreninSouthAsiahadrevealedprogressinthereductionofinfantmortalityandincreasedcoverageofimmunizationprogrammes.Theystressed,however,thatcontinuedeffortsrequiredtobesustainedintheseareas.Seriouseffortswerealsorequiredinrespectofeducationfor all children and the reduction of gender disparities. In addition tonationalprogrammes, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalled for theidentificationofpracticalregionalprogrammeswhichcouldbenefitfromcooperationwith relevant regional and internationalorganisationswithwhich SAARC has cooperative arrangements for the promotion of thewelfareofchildren.

59.The Heads of State or Government condemned the exploitation ofchildrenbyterroristgroupsinhostilitiesandcalledforspecialmeasuresforthepsychological,physicalandsocialrehabilitationofchildvictims.Inthisrespect,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheinitiativetakenbyMaldivesinpursuanceoftheirdirectiveattheNinthSAARCSummitindraftingtheConventiononRegionalArrangementsforthePromotionofChildWelfareinSouthAsia.TheywelcomedtheofferofMaldivestoholdanExpertGroupMeetingtofinalisethedraftConventionforitsadoptionattheEleventhSAARCSummit.

SITUATION OF WOMEN AND THE GIRL CHILD

60.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatmanygroupsofwomenandgirlchildreninSouthAsiacontinuetobeindisadvantagedpositionsandlackequalopportunitiesforeconomicandsocialdevelopment.Theywereof the view that sustained efforts and practical affirmative action wasrequired tooffset theeffectsofdiscriminatory, socialandpsychologicalperceptionsandtoempowerwomenthroughaffirmativeaction,includingwherenecessary,legislativemeasures.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcondemnedinparticularviolenceagainstwomenandactsofdiscriminationandhumiliationwhich tend todepress the statusofwomen.Theyalsoexpressedconcernovertheplightofwomenandgirlchildreninsituationsofconflict.Equalopportunitiesineducation,healthfacilitiesandnutritionwere vital for the integration ofwomen in themainstreamof nationaldevelopment.Theyagreedtoworkincloseassociation,wherepossible,withprofessionalandotherwomen’sgroupsintheregiontoamelioratetheirconditions.

61.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledthattheNinthSAARCSummitexpressedconcernat the traffickingofwomenandchildrenwithinandbetweencountriesandpledgedtocoordinateeffortsofMemberStates



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totakeeffectivemeasurestoaddressthisproblem.Inthiscontext,theywelcomed thefinalisationof thedraft texton theRegionalConventionon Combating the Crime of Trafficking in Women and Children forProstitution andnoted that thiswouldbe a vital instrument in dealingwiththisproblem.TheyapprovedthattheConventionbesignedattheEleventhSAARCSummit.

62.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsorecommendedthatthefeasibilityofestablishingaRegionalFundforRehabilitationofVictimsofTraffickingin Women and Children for Prostitution on a voluntary basis may beexplored.

63.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwerealsooftheviewthatthescopeof the Convention should be broadened to cover purposes other thanprostitution.

64.The Heads of State or Government noted that a gender disaggregateddata-baseon thebasisofdataprovidedbyMemberStateswouldbeavaluable means of assisting the formulation of national and regionalpoliciesandprogrammesinrespectofwomenandthegirlchild.

HEALTH

65.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtherichheritageoftraditionalsystems ofmedicine (TSM) in the region. They observed that regionalcooperation inthisareawouldbeworthwhileandrelevant formeetingbasic health needs. Theywelcomed the offer of India to host the FirstHealthMinistersConferencetoevolveproposals forcooperation inthisfield.

66.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenturgedthattheregionalpharmaceuticalindustriesshouldstrengthencooperation.Theywerefurtheroftheviewthat theMemberStates couldestablishActionCommittees in termsofArticleVIIoftheSAARCCharterforsuchcooperation,ifrequired.

DISABLED PERSONS

67.The Heads of State or Government recalled the Islamabad Resolutionon Disabled Persons and underscored the importance of having a verydefinitehumanisticapproachtoensuringthewelfareofthe100milliondisabled persons of this region. In this respect, the Heads of State orGovernmentacceptedtheproposalofthePrimeMinisterofBangladeshfortheestablishmentofaSAARCVoluntaryFundforDisabledPersons.

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INFORMATION

68.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthe recommendationsoftheFirstMeetingofSAARCInformationMinistersheldinDhakainApril,1998andtheofferofPakistantohosttheSecondMeetingofInformationMinistersofSAARCCountries.

69.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalled forconcertedendeavours forthe promotion of practical programmes among South Asian countries,including throughprofessionalorganizations, in thefieldof informationand media exchanges benefitting from technological advances. Suchactionwouldhelppromotedeeperunderstandingof issuescommontotheregion,aswellastoprojectamorebalancedviewofdevelopmentsintheregion.TheywelcomedtheofferofIndiatohosttheFirstMeetingofSAARCEditorsandJournalists.

TERRORISM AND DRUG TRAFFICKING

70.TheHeadsofStateorGovernment recognized that theMemberStatesandpeoplesofSouthAsiacontinuetofacetheseriousthreatofterrorismin all its formsandmanifestations anddrug trafficking. They reiteratedtheir firm commitment to combat these activities in the region. TheyemphasizedtheurgentneedtocompleteenablinglegislationinordertoimplementtheSAARCRegionalConventionsonSuppressionofTerrorismandonNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstances.

71.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenturgedallMemberStatestoenhancecooperationagainstterrorism,wherever,bywhomever,againstwhoeveritoccursandtofullyobserveandimplementtheSAARCRegionalConventiononTerrorism.

72.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentaffirmedthatcriminalacts intendedto provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of personsor particular persons, for whatever purposes, are unjustifiable in anycircumstances.

73.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecalledtheadoptionofthe1996UNDeclarationonMeasurestoEliminateInternationalTerrorismandurgedallMemberStates towork towards its implementation.Theycalled forinternationalactiontopreventtheabuseofRefugeeConventionsandtohaltactivitieswhichhelpterroristgroupstocollectfundsfortheiractivitiesinSouthAsia.

74.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthattwoSAARCConferencesonCooperationinPoliceMattershadbeenheldsince1996.Theycalledfor



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thecontinuedsharingofexpertisewithregardtothedifferentareasofpoliceinvestigation,andinvestigationoforganizedcrimeanddrugrelatedcrimes.

UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

75.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmenttakingnoteofthe50thAnniversaryoftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRights,reaffirmedtheircommitmenttothefurtherpromotionofhumanrightsandfundamentalfreedomsbystrengthening the respective national institutions in South Asia in thisfield. The Leaders agreed that tolerance and mutual accommodation,combinedwiththestrengtheningofparticipatorygovernance,constitutedthefoundationforthesustainableeconomicandsocialdevelopmentoftheSAARCregion.


76.The Heads of State or Government consulted informally on a range ofinternationalissues,particularlythosewhichhaveabearingonSouthAsia.Theyre-affirmedtheirstrongcommitmenttothepurposesandprinciplesoftheUNCharterandagreedthattheirdelegationswouldworkcloselyintheongoingnegotiationsforthereformandstrengtheningoftheUNsystem, so that the Organisation could be more democratic, efficientandfinanciallyviableandresponsivetotheinterestsofitsmembership,especiallydevelopingcountries.

77.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsounderscoredthe importanceoftheroleoftheNon-AlignedMovementinpromotingajustandequitableglobal order and called for the further enhancing of the efforts of theMovement to influencepositivelycontemporary international relations.Inthiscontext,theyexpressedfullconfidencethattheTwelfthSummitoftheMovementscheduledtotakeplaceinSouthAfricawouldcontributetowardsaugmentingtheMovement’seffectiveness.

78.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthatstability,peaceand security in South Asia could not be considered in isolation of theglobal security environment. Although great power rivalry which theNAMhadconsistentlyopposed,nolongerposedaseriousthreatandthedangerofaglobalnuclearconflagrationhadabated,yetsomeStateshadsoughttomaintainhugearsenalsofnuclearweapons.TheNPTandtheCTBT, to which some SAARC members were signatories, had not led toanyprogresstowardsnucleardisarmamentnorpreventedproliferation.

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They underscored their commitment to the complete elimination ofnuclearweapons and theneed for promotingnuclear disarmamentonauniversalbasis,undereffective international control.They recognisedthatglobalnon-proliferationgoalscannotbeachievedintheabsenceofprogresstowardsnucleardisarmamentandinthiscontextcalleduponallnuclearweaponstates,whetherpartyornon-partytotheNPTtoengageconstructivelythroughatransparentandcredibleprocessofnegotiationsattheConferenceonDisarmament.

79.The Heads of State or Government therefore urged the Conference onDisarmamenttocommencenegotiationsonacomprehensive,universaland non-discriminatory international instrument prohibiting the use orthe threat of nuclearweapons aswell as eliminating suchweapons inexistingarsenals.

80.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheoutcomeoftherecentUNDiplomaticConferenceontheestablishmentofanInternationalCriminalCourtandthefactthattheConferencehadnotaddressedsuchissuesasthe crimeofdrug traffickingand the crimeof terrorismwith itsuseofindiscriminateviolenceaimedatinnocentciviliansanduseofweaponsofmassdestruction.TheyemphasisedtheneedtoensurethattheproposedCourtshouldrespectthesovereigntyofStatesconsistentwiththeprincipleofcomplementaritywithnationaljurisdictiononwhichtheStatuteoftheCourtisbased.

81.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the enhanced statusaccorded to Palestine at UN fora. They however expressed growingconcernatnumeroussetbacksaffectingthepeaceprocessintheMiddleEast,includingillegalattemptstochangethejurisdictionandbordersofJerusalem.Theyre-affirmedtheirsupportfortheachievementofajust,lasting and comprehensivepeacebasedon Security Council Resolution242(1967)andResolution338(1973)torestoretheinalienablenationalrightsofthePalestinianpeople.

82.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalledforintensificationofeffortsforpromotingpeaceandstabilityattheglobalandregionallevelsforrealisinguniversalprogressandprosperity.



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DATES AND VENUE OF THE ELEVENTH MEETING OF THE HEADS OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT

83.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentacceptedwithdeepappreciationtheofferofHisMajesty’sGovernmentofNepaltohosttheEleventhSAARCSummitinthesecondhalfof1999.

84.The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, theMaldives,NepalandPakistanexpressedtheirappreciationfortheskilfulmanner inwhich the President of theDemocratic Socialist Republic ofSriLankahadconductedthemeetingandguideditsdeliberations,inhercapacityasChairperson.Theyalsoexpressedtheirdeepgratitudeforthewarm and generous hospitality extended to them by the GovernmentandthepeopleofSriLankaandtheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheSummitandthemeetingsprecedingit.

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KATHMANDU DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Eleventh SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 6th January, 2002.

The Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Her ExcellencyBegumKhaledaZia;thePrimeMinisteroftheRoyalGovernmentofBhutan,HisExcellencyLyonpoKhanduWangchuk;thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyMr.AtalBehariVajpayee;thePresidentoftheRepublicofMaldives,HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom;thePrimeMinisterof the Kingdom of Nepal, Right HonourableMr. Sher Bahadur Deuba; thePresidentoftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyGeneralPervezMusharraf; and the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of SriLanka, Her Excellency Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga met atthe Eleventh Summitmeeting of the South Asian Association for RegionalCooperation(SAARC)inKathmandu,Nepalfrom4to6January2002.


1. The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment toregionalcooperationthroughSAARCandunderscoredtheimportanceofannualSummitmeetingsinchartingcommonstrategiesfortherealizationoftheobjectivesandprinciplessetoutintheCharteroftheAssociation.Meeting for the first time at the dawn of the new millennium, theysolemnlyrenewedtheirpledgetostrengthentheAssociationandmakeitmorecohesive,resultoriented,andforwardlooking,byadoptingclearlydefined programs and effective implementation strategies in line withpopularexpectations.TogiveeffecttothesharedaspirationsforamoreprosperousSouthAsia,theLeadersagreedtothevisionofaphasedandplannedprocesseventuallyleadingtoaSouthAsianEconomicUnion.

2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedthatequitablesharingofthebenefits of regional cooperation is essential to achieve andmaintain aminimumacceptable levelofeconomicandsocialdevelopment ineachMemberState.Tothisend,theyexpressedtheircommitmenttoaspeedierprocessofharmonizingtheirpoliciesandpracticesandimbibingregionalgoalsandstrategiesintheirnationaldevelopmentprograms.



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3. TheHeads of State orGovernment expressed their firmdeterminationto fully benefit from the wealth of traditional wisdom, creativity andenterpriseintheregion.Theyalsopledgedtoenhancetransparencyandaccountabilityingovernanceandtoencourageeffectiveparticipationofthepeoplesandcivilsocietiesintheformulationaswellasimplementationoftheprogramsofcooperation.

4. ReiteratingtheirresolvetopromoteSouthAsianregionalidentityandtostrengthencooperationatthe international level, theHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsoreemphasizedtheneedtoevolvecommonpositionsonissuesofsharedinterestattheinternationalfora.

COOPERATION IN THE ECONOMIC SECTOR

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtoacceleratecooperation inthecoreareasoftrade,financeandinvestmenttorealizethegoalofanintegratedSouthAsianeconomyinastep-by-stepmanner.Theyexpressedtheirdeterminationtomakefulluseofregionalsynergytomaximizethebenefitsofglobalisationandliberalizationandtominimizetheirnegativeimpacts on the region. While recognizing that trade and economicexpansion is closely inter-linked, the Leaders made a commitment towidenanddeepenthescopeof regionalnetworksofactivities in tradeandfinancialmatters.

6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheoutcomesofthesuccessivemeetingsoftheSAARCCommerceMinistersaimedatenlargingthescopeofcooperationinthecoreareas.Theyrecognisedtheimportanceofachievingafreetradeareaandreaffirmedthatthetreatyregimeforcreatingafreetradeareamustincorporate,interalia,bindingtimeframesforfreeingtrade,measurestofacilitatetradeandprovisionsto ensure an equitable distribution of benefits of trade to all states,especiallyforsmallandleastdevelopedcountries,includingmechanismsforcompensationofrevenueloss.

7. RecognisingtheneedtomovequicklytowardsaSouthAsianFreeTradeArea,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstofinalizethetextoftheDraftTreatyFrameworkbytheendof2002.TheyalsodirectedthatinmovingtowardsthegoalofSAFTA,theMemberStatesexpedite action to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers and structuralimpedimentstofreetrade.Theyalsoinstructedtoconcludethemeetingof the InterGovernmentalGrouponTradeLiberalization for theFourthRoundofTradeNegotiationsunderSAPTAasearlyaspossibleasperthedecisionoftheTenthSAARCSummitinColombo.

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8. The Heads of State or Government renewed their commitment toencourage theparticipationof theprivate sector andassured their fullsupportfortheirsociallyresponsibleeconomicinitiatives.Whilewelcomingthepracticeofholdingtradefairsincooperationwiththeprivatesectorattheregionallevel,theyappreciatedtheeffortsoftheSAARCChamberofCommerceandIndustrytopromoteregionaleconomiccooperationinthespiritofpublicandprivatesectorpartnership.

9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsodecidedtoinstructtheSecretaryGeneraltofacilitatetheearlyfinalizationofaregionallyagreedinvestmentframeworktomeetinvestmentneedsoftheSAARCMemberStates.

10.The Heads of State or Government recognized the immense tourismpotential of South Asia and underlined the need to take measures topromoteSouthAsiaasacommontouristdestinationthroughjointeffortsin areas such as upgrading of infrastructure, air linkages, simplificationand harmonization of administrative procedures and training and jointmarketing.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

11.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentacknowledgedthatinvestmentinpovertyalleviationprogramscontributestosocialstability,economicprogressandoverallprosperity.Theywereoftheviewthatwidespreadanddebilitatingpoverty continued tobe themost formidabledevelopmental challengefortheregion.Consciousofthemagnitudeofpovertyintheregion,andrecallingalsothedecisionoftheUNMillenniumSummit2000toreduceworldpovertyinhalfby2015,andalsorecallingthecommitmentsmadeat thefiveyear reviewof theWorldSummit forSocialDevelopmenttoreducepovertythroughenhancedsocialmobilization,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentmadeareviewoftheSAARCactivitiesaimedatpovertyalleviationanddecidedtoreinvigoratetheminthecontextoftheregionalandglobalcommitmentstopovertyreduction.

12.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirfirmresolvetocombattheproblemofpovertywithanewsenseofurgencybyactivelypromotingthe synergetic partnership among national governments, internationalagencies, theprivate sector,and thecivil society.They reaffirmed theirpledgetoundertakeeffectiveandsustainedpovertyalleviationprogramsthrough pro-poor growth strategies and social as well as other policyinterventionswith specific sectoral targets. The Leaders also agreed totakeimmediatestepsfortheeffectiveimplementationoftheprogramsforsocialmobilizationanddecentralization,andforstrengtheninginstitutionbuilding and support mechanisms to ensure participation of the poor,



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bothasstake-holderandbeneficiary,ingovernanceandthedevelopmentprocess.

13.The Heads of State or Government decided to undertake sustainedmeasures to extend rural micro-credit programs with focus on womenandthedisadvantagedsectionsofsociety.Theyalsostressedtheneedforwideningtheopportunitiesforgainfulemployment.Whilehighlightingtheimportanceofpromotingagriculture,indigenousskillsandsmallscaleandcottageindustriestoaddresstheincidenceofruralpoverty,theydecidedtoenhancecooperationinagriculturalresearch,extensionandadoption.TheyspecificallyinstructedthattheTechnicalCommitteesshouldidentifyprogrammesandactivitiesthatimpactonpovertyalleviation.Theyurgedthe need to create gainful employment and promote cooperation invocationaltraining.

14.The Heads of State or Government emphasized the need to promotesharingofthebestpracticesandexperiencesamongtheMemberStatesand to this end, instructed the Secretary General to disseminate suchinformationtotheMemberStatesonaregularbasis.TheydirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoreview,onacontinuousbasis,theregionalpovertyprofiletobepreparedbytheSecretaryGeneralwiththeassistanceoftherelatedUNagencies,nodalagenciesandindependentresearchinstitutionsspecializedinthefield.

15.Inordertoensuresocialstabilityandtoprotectthevulnerablesectionsofpopulationfromtheadverseimpactsofglobalisationandliberalization,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheneedtoenhancecooperationtocreateandmaintainappropriatesafetynets.

16.The Heads of State or Government agreed that a Special Sessionon poverty alleviation at the Ministerial level should undertake acomprehensive review and evaluation of the status of implementationof poverty eradicationpolicies andprograms carried out so far, and torecommendfurtherconcretemeasurestoenhanceeffectivecooperationattheregionalleveltotheTwelfthSAARCSummit.TheyalsodirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstotakenecessarystepstofullyactivatetheexistingthree-tiermechanismforpovertyalleviation.

17.The Leaders directed the Council of Ministers to coordinate efforts tointegrate poverty alleviation programs into the development strategiesof Member States. In this context, they agreed to reconstitute theIndependent South Asian Commission on Poverty Alleviation, withNepalasitsConvenerandBangladeshasCo-convenor,forreviewingtheprogressmade incooperationonpovertyalleviationandforsuggesting

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appropriateandeffectivemeasures.TheyinstructedtheChairmanoftheCouncilofMinisterstoseektwonominationsfromeachMemberStatebyendofJanuary2002toenabletheconveningof itsfirstmeetingbeforethe proposedMinisterialMeeting on Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan inApril2002.

18.Expressingconcernattheregion’sspecialvulnerabilityintheslowdowninworldeconomyanditsnegativeimpactonthepoorandthemarginalized,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentcalled fora supportive internationalenvironment and an enhanced level of assistance by the internationalcommunityforpovertyalleviationprogramsinSouthAsia.

COOPERATION IN THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SECTOR

19.The Heads of State or Government reiterated the need for an earlyfinalisation of the SAARC Social Charter and instructed the InterGovernmental Expert Group to expedite their workon the basis of thedraft tobe submittedby theSecretary-General, asaworkingpaper foritsconsiderationandtocompletethedraftframeworkoftheCharterasearlyaspossibleforconsiderationatthenextmeetingoftheCouncilofMinisters. In drawing up the Charter, they also directed the Council ofMinisterstoincludetheimportantareasofpovertyeradication,populationstabilization, the empowerment ofwomen, youthmobilization, humanresourcesdevelopment, thepromotionofhealthandnutritionand theprotectionofchildrenasdecidedattheTenthSummit.

20.The Leaders recognized the debilitating andwidespread impact of theHIV/AIDS,TBandotherdeadlycommunicablediseasesonthepopulationof South Asia and stressed the need for evolving a regional strategy tocombatthesediseases.Thestrategyshouldinclude,interalia,culturallyappropriate preventivemeasures, an affordable treatment regime andshould specially target the vulnerable groups. In this regard, they feltthat SAARC should collaboratewith the internationalorganizationsandcivilsociety.TheyalsoemphasizedthattheSAARCTuberculosisCentreinKathmandushouldplayacoordinatingroleintherelatedareas.

21.In accordance with the Colombo Declaration, the Heads of State orGovernment decided tomandate theMeeting ofMinisters of CulturalAffairsinSriLankatofinalisethedetailsrelatingtotheestablishmentoftheSAARCCulturalCentreincludingitsfinancingandtosubmititsreporttothenextsessionoftheCouncilofMinisters



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WOMEN AND CHILDREN

22.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesigningoftheSAARCConventiononPreventingandCombatingtheTraffickinginWomenandChildren for Prostitution and expressed their collective resolve to treatthetraffickinginwomenandchildrenforcommercialsexualexploitationasacriminaloffenceofaseriousnature.TheyalsowelcomedthesigningoftheSAARCConventiononRegionalArrangementsforthePromotionofChildWelfareinSouthAsiaandobservedthattheConventionreflectedtheir commitment to place the child first in the national and regionalprogramsoftheMemberStates.TheyinstructedtheSecretary-General,in consultationwithMember States and other specialised agencies, topresent a report onmeasures for the effective implementation of theConventionstothenextmeetingoftheCouncilofMinisters.

23.The Heads of State or Government agreed to establish, on the basisof recommendations of the Regional Task Force responsible for theimplementationoftheprovisionsoftheSAARCConventiononPreventingand Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution, avoluntaryfundwithcontributionsfromMemberStates,individuals,anddonorcountriesandagenciesfortherehabilitationandreintegrationofthevictimsoftrafficking.

24.TheLeadersrecognizedtheneedtoformanautonomousadvocacygroupofprominentwomenpersonalitiesfromtheMemberStateswithaviewtomakingrecommendationstotheSAARCbodiesonabroadspectrumofgenderrelated issues.TheydirectedtheCouncilofMinisters to takenecessary steps toprepareandpresent, for considerationat theirnextmeeting,theTermsofReferenceforthepurpose.

25.The Heads of State or Government recognized the need to activelypursue and promote social development through empowerment ofwomen and to achieve their full participation in decisionmaking at alllevels.Theyreaffirmedtheircommitmenttoupliftthesocialstatusofthepeople,women and children in particular, in the region and expressedtheircommonresolvetoaccordthehighestprioritytopromotingsocialdevelopment through specific and targeted programs. The LeadersdirectedtheCouncilofMinisters to takenecessarymeasurestoensurethe enjoyment bywomen and girl children of their inherent potential.TheyalsodirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoconstituteaTaskForcetoreviewthestatusofimplementationofpastdecisionsrelatedtothesocialsectorandtosuggestguidelinesfortheireffectiveimplementationinthefuture.

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26.TheLeadersdirected theCouncilofMinisters to takeconcretesteps togive priority to investing in children as an effectivemeans for povertyreductioninthelongrun.ReaffirmingtheircommitmenttotheColomboPlanofActionandtheRawalpindiDeclarationandrecallingthedeclarationof2001to2010astheSAARCDecadeoftheRightsoftheChild,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithappreciationtheSouthAsiaHigh-levelMeetingonChildrenheld in Kathmandu inMay 2001. They reaffirmedtheirconvictionthatthechildreninSouthAsiadeserveurgentandfocusedattentiontoenhancethelong-termandoverallprogressofthecountriesoftheregion.

27.The Heads of State or Government agreed to mobilize the necessaryresourcesand intensifybroadbasedactionstoachieveasetofprioritygoalsrelatedtoimprovingthestatusofchildren,suchaspolioeradicationby2005,protectionofchildrenfrommother-to-childtransmissionofHIV/AIDS, and quality basic education to the childrenwithin a time-boundperiod.

EDUCATION

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernment instructed theconcernedMinistriesofGovernmentstodeviseappropriatestrategiesforraisingthequalityofeducationthroughtheexchangeofinformationamongtheuniversitiesintheregion.Whileemphasizingthe importanceofmutualrecognitionoftheeducational institutions, theyagreed togive thenecessary impetusto realize thegoalofa commonregionaleducational standard throughuniformmethodsofinstructionandteachingaids.TheywereunanimousinrecognizingthebenefitofintroducingSAARCinthenationalcurriculaatappropriatelevelsofstudyinordertoenhancetheawarenessaboutAssociation’sgoalsandobjectives.

29.The Heads of State or Government recognized that access to qualityeducation was an important element for the empowerment of allsegments of society, and undertook to develop or strengthen nationalstrategiesandactionplanstoensurethatallchildrenparticularlythegirlchildhaveaccesstoqualityprimaryeducationby2015;andtoimprovelevelsofadultliteracybyfiftypercentbyeliminatinggenderdisparitiesinaccesstoeducationasenvisagedintheDakarFrameworkforActiononEducationforAlladoptedbytheWorldEducationForumheldatDakarinApril2000.



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INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

30.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirfirmsupportfortheprinciplesandpurposesof theUnitedNations inordertocreatea just,balancedandequitableworldorder.Theyreaffirmedtheircommitmenttocontinueworkingwith theNAMandother like-mindedcountries forthereformanddemocratisationoftheUnitedNationsSystemwithaviewtomakingitaneffectiveandmoredemocraticinstitutionforinternationalpeace,security,progressandcooperation.

31.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereoftheviewthatstability,peaceand security in South Asia should be promoted together with effortsto improve the global security environment. They underscored theircommitment to general and complete disarmament including nucleardisarmamentonauniversalbasis,undereffective internationalcontrol.Theyagreedthatglobalnon-proliferationgoalscouldnotbeachievedintheabsenceofprogresstowardsnucleardisarmamentandinthiscontextcalleduponallnuclearweaponstates,whetherpartyornon-partytotheNPT,toengageconstructivelythroughatransparentandcredibleprocessof negotiations at the Conference on Disarmament. The Leaders alsorecognizedthelinkagebetweendisarmamentanddevelopment.

32.TheLeadersemphasizedtheneedtotakeappropriatemeasurestomakeinternational financial institutions and the global trading regime moreresponsivetotheneedsandconcernsofthedevelopingcountries.Theyreiterated the call for genuine partnership among the developed anddevelopingcountriesininternationaltradeandfinanceandforthereformoftheglobalfinancialarchitecturewithanenhancedlevelofresources.

33.The Leaders also called upon the developed countries to facilitate andensureanunimpededandenhancedlevelofmarketaccesstoproductsfromthedeveloping,theleastdevelopedandtheland-lockedcountries.

34.Recognizing the important role that trade can play in advancing theoveralldevelopmentofacountry,thuscontributingtoanequitableandsustainable world order, the Heads of State or Government also calledfor an early realization of a rule-based and non-discriminatory worldtraderegime. Inthiscontext,theyappreciatedthepositiveelementsoftheFourthWTOMinisterialConferenceheldinDohaandcalleduponthedevelopedcountriestofulfilltheircommitmentstoaddresstheparticularconcernsandneedsofthedevelopingandtheleastdevelopedcountries.TheLeadersalso instructedtheforthcomingmeetingof theCommitteeonEconomicCooperationtodevoteatleasthalfadayfordiscussionson

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theevaluationofthedecisionsoftherecentlyconcludedDohaconferenceinordertoevolvebetterco-oredpositionsamongtheMemberStatesonallWTOissues.TheyfurtherstressedtheneedtointensifycoordinationamongtheSAARCmissionsinGenevaandbeginthenecessarypreparationtoadvancethecommoninterestoftheregionintheFifthWTOMinisterialconference.

35.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithseriousconcerntheadverseimpactoftheshrinkingOfficialDevelopmentAssistance(ODA)andotherconcessionalfinancialflowsondevelopingcountriesingeneral,andtheleastdevelopedamongtheminparticular.Theyfurthernotedwithconcernthecurrenttrendoftheglobaleconomicslowdownanditsadverseeffectsontheseeconomies.Takingintoaccounttheinterdependentnatureoftheglobaleconomy,theLeadersurgedthedevelopedcountriestoenhancethelevelofODAflowstomeettheinternationallyagreedtargets.

36.RecallingtherecommendationsoftheThirdUnitedNationsConferenceontheLeastDevelopedCountriesheldinBrusselsinMay2001andthedecisionsoftheZanzibarDeclarationofJuly2001,theLeadersurgedthedevelopedcountriestoadoptmoreliberaltradeandaidpoliciesresponsivetotheparticularneedsoftheleastdevelopedcountries.Referringtotheforthcoming InternationalConferenceonFinancing forDevelopment tobe held inMexico inMarch 2002, the Leaders urged the internationalcommunity to strengthen cooperation for development by addressinginternationalandsystemicissuesrelatedtofinancingfordevelopmentinthedevelopingandtheleastdevelopedcountriesinaholisticmanner.

37.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheinitiativeofthedonorcountriestorelievetheexternaldebtburdenoftheHighlyIndebtedPoorCountries.Theyurgedthe internationaldonorcommunityandfinancialinstitutionstowidenthescopeandextentofdebtreliefinitiativestocoverallthosedevelopingandtheleastdevelopedcountries,whicharefacingdevelopmentaldifficultiesparticularlyduetothecurrentglobalrecession.In the context of growing global interdependence, they underlined theimportance of forging cooperative partnership between the developedandthedevelopingcountriestoensureequitablebenefitstoall.

38.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedconcernoverthecontinuedviolence andbloodshed in theMiddle East, and the set backs sufferedbythepeaceprocess.Theyreaffirmedtheirsupportfortheachievementof a just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on Security CouncilResolution242(1967)andResolution338(1973)andtheestablishmentofasovereignPalestineStateundertheleadershipofPLO,whichcouldcoexistwithitsneighboursinpeace,securityandharmony.



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39.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedthatduetotheirparticularvulnerability, small states require special measures for support fromthe international community for the safeguarding of their sovereignindependence and territorial integrity. They reiterated that the realprotection of small states should be firmly rooted in the scrupulousadherencetotheUNCharter,theruleoflawandthestrictadherencetouniversallyacceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatedtosovereignrightsandterritorial integrityofall states, irrespectiveof size.This, they stressed,should be ensured by all the countries, either severally or collectivelythroughthepursuitofappropriateaction.

TERRORISM

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereconvincedthatterrorism,inallitsformsandmanifestations,isachallengetoallstatesandtoallofhumanity,andcannotbejustifiedonideological,political,religiousoronanyotherground.TheLeadersagreedthatterrorismviolatesthefundamentalvaluesoftheUnitedNationsandtheSAARCCharterandconstitutesoneofthemostserious threats to internationalpeaceandsecurity in theTwenty-firstcentury.

41.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedtheneedfortheurgentconclusionofaComprehensiveConventiononCombating InternationalTerrorism. They also emphasized that international cooperation tocombatterrorismshouldbeconductedinconformitywiththeUNCharter,internationallawandrelevantinternationalconventions.

42.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirsupporttotheUnitedNations Security Council Resolution 1373 of September 28, 2001 andaffirmed their determination to redouble efforts, collectively as wellas individually, to prevent and suppress terrorism in all its forms andmanifestations,includingbyincreasedcooperationandfullimplementationof therelevant internationalConventionsrelatingtoterrorismtowhichtheyareparties.Inthiscontext,theycalledonallstatestopreventandsuppressthefinancingofterroristactsbycriminalizingthecollectionoffundsforsuchactsandrefrainingfromorganizing,instigating,assistingorparticipatinginterroristactsinstatesoracquiescinginorganizedactivitieswithin its territory directed towards the commission of such acts. TheLeaders reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism in all its forms andmanifestationshastobecomprehensiveandsustained.

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43.The Heads of State or Government were unanimous in recognizingthe distinct ominous link between terrorism, drug-trafficking, moneylaundering and other trans-national crimes and emphasized the needto coordinate efforts at the national and regional levels to strengthentheglobalresponsetothisseriouschallengeandthreattointernationalsecurity.TheycalledupontheinternationalcommunitytoassistMemberStatesofSAARCtodealeffectivelywiththeadverseeconomiceffectsofterrorismingeneralandtomeettherisinginsuranceandsecurityrelatedcostsinparticular.

44.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttoSAARCRegionalConventiononSuppressionofTerrorism,which,amongothers,recognizes theseriousnessof theproblemof terrorismas itaffects thesecurity, stability, and development of the region. They also reiteratedtheir firm resolve to accelerate the enactment of enabling legislationwithinadefinitetime-frameforthefullimplementationoftheConvention,togetherwithstrengtheningofSAARCTerroristOffencesMonitoringDeskandtheSAARCDrugOffencesMonitoringDeskinaneffectivemanner.

REPORT OF THE GROUP OF EMINENT PERSONS

45.The Leaders noted with appreciation that the Report of the Group ofEminent Persons (GEP) was an important contribution in the on-goingprocessof introspection into the functioningof theAssociationaswellas in setting out a perspective plan of action for that purpose. Theyendorsedthereportof theCouncilofMinistersonthe implementationoftherecommendationsoftheGEPReport,anddirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoundertakeareviewofprogressinthisregard.


46.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttothepromotionofmutual trustandunderstandingand,recognizingthattheaims of promoting peace, stability and amity and accelerated socio-economiccooperationmaybestbeachievedbyfosteringgoodneighbourlyrelations,relievingtensionsandbuildingconfidence,agreedthataprocessofinformalconsultationswouldproveusefulinthisregard.TheLeadersfurtherrecognizedthatthisprocesswouldcontributetotheappreciationofeachother’sproblemsandperceptionsaswellasfordecisiveactioninagreedareasofregionalcooperation.Theyunderlinedtheimportanceofinformalpolitical consultations inpromotingmutualunderstandingandreinforcingtheconfidencebuildingprocessamongtheMemberStates.



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47.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedthevalidityoftheideaofencouragingthedevelopmentofspecificprojectsrelevanttotheindividualneedsofthreeormoreMemberStatesundertheprovisionsofArticlesVIIandXoftheSAARCCharter.


48.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderlinedtheurgentneedtomaketheSouthAsianDevelopmentFundoperationalbymakingutilizationoftheexistingfunds.TheyalsoinstructedtheSecretary-Generaltosubmitaproposalforseekingpossibleassistancefromregionalandinternationalsources for the implementation of specific regional poverty alleviationpriorityprojects.

ENVIRONMENT

49.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfaction thegrowingpublicawarenessontheneedforprotectingtheenvironmentwithintheframeworkofregionalcooperation.Theyreiteratedtheircallfortheearlyandeffective implementationof theSAARCEnvironmentPlanofActionas endorsed by the SAARC Environment Ministers. They directed theirEnvironment Ministers to take this into account and come up with anagreedpositionintheirforthcomingmeeting.

50.The Heads of State or Government also felt a strong need to devise amechanismforcooperationinthefieldoftheearlywarningonaswellaspreparednessandmanagementofnaturaldisasters,alongwithprogramstopromoteconservationoflandandwaterresources.

51.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsostressedtheneedtodevelopacooperativemechanismfortheprotection,enrichmentandutilizationofbio-diversityasprovidedforintheUNConventiononBiologicalDiversityandtoestablisharegionalbio-diversitydatabasewithaviewtoprovidingequitable benefits to all Member States. They also underscored theimportance of protecting associated knowledge and other indigenousintellectualmanifestationsfortheadvancementoftheregion.TheyalsodirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoexplorethepossibilityofestablishingaSAARCSeedSecurityReservetostrengthencooperationinthefieldofagricultureandtoprotectIPRsoftheseedsoftheReserve.

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52.The Heads of State or Government were unanimous in recognizing theneed for further promoting a sense of regional identity amongst thepeoplesoftheregion.TheLeaderslaudedtherolesplayedbyintellectuals,professionalsandeminentpersonsinpromotingpeople-to-peoplecontactswithintheregionandagreedtoencouragesuchendeavoursasahealthysignofregionalcohesionandfraternity.Inthiscontext,theytooknoteoftheactivitiesoftheSAARCLAWincludingotherrecognizedbodies.TheyalsotooknoteoftheFirstMeetingoftheChiefElectionCommissionersofSAARCCountriesheldinKathmanduinFebruary1999andappreciatedtheinitiativeonfreeandfairelection.TheLeadersinstructedtheSecretary-General to collect on a regular basis study reports and other relevantdocumentsandinformationfromthecivilsocietyonmattersrelatingtoregionalcooperationfordisseminationtoMemberStates.

RATIONALIZATION AND INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

53.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereinagreementthattheSummitandallothermeetingsofSAARCneededtobemademorebusiness-likeandresult-orientedwith focusonprogramsandactivitiessupportedbyinformed regional inputs from the cross-sections of the society. TheydirectedtheChairmanoftheCouncilofMinisterstoundertakeareviewof the functioning and operation of SAARC Secretariat, and to makerecommendationstoadvancetheprocessofrationalisationandtomakeSAARC more functional and business-like, to the next meeting of theCouncilofMinisters.

SAARC AWARD

54.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithappreciationtheproposalmade byNepal to institute a SAARCAward to honour the outstandingwork of individuals andorganizationswithin the region in thefields ofpeace, development, poverty alleviation and regional cooperation, andrequestedHisMajesty’sGovernmentofNepaltosubmitaconceptpaperforconsiderationbythenextsessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

DATE AND VENUE OF THE TWELFTH SUMMIT

55.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedwithappreciationtheofferoftheGovernmentoftheIslamicRepublicofPakistantohosttheTwelfth



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Summit Meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the SouthAsian Association for the Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Pakistan inearly2003.

56.The Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,Maldives,PakistanandSriLankaexpressedtheirdeepappreciationfortheexemplarymannerinwhichtheRightHonourablePrimeMinisterofNepalconductedtheproceedingsoftheEleventhSAARCSummitinhiscapacityasChairperson.TheyalsoexpressedtheirdeepgratitudeforthegeneroushospitalityextendedtothembyHisMajesty’sGovernmentandpeopleofNepal,andfortheexcellentarrangementsmadefortheSummit.

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ISLAMABAD DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Twelfth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 6th January, 2004.

We, the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, BegumKhaledaZia,thePrimeMinisteroftheKingdomofBhutan,LyonpoJigmiYoezerThinley,thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,AtalBehariVajpayee,thePresidentoftheRepublicofMaldives,MaumoonAbdulGayoom,thePrimeMinisteroftheKingdomofNepal,SuryaBahadurThapa,thePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,MirZafarullahKhanJamaliandthePresidentof the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Chandrika BandaranaikeKumaratunga:

HavingmetattheTwelfthSummitmeetingoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)inIslamabad,Pakistanon4-6January2004;

GuidedbythevisionofapeacefulandprosperousSouthAsiaandproudofitsrichcultureandtraditions;

Deeplyconsciousofthegrowinginterdependencewithinandamongstnationsandregionsinanincreasinglyglobalizingworld;

Desirous of promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in the regionthroughstrictadherencetotheprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsCharterandNon-Alignment,particularlyrespectfortheprinciplesofsovereignequality,territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-interferenceintheinternalaffairsofthestatesandpeacefulsettlementofalldisputes;

ReaffirmingthecentralityofSAARCforpromotingregionalcooperationandemphasizingtheneedtoenhanceitsefficacy;

Strongly reaffirming our commitment to the objectives, principles andprovisions of the Charter of the South Asian Association for RegionalCooperation(SAARC);

DECLARE THAT: REGIONAL COOPERATION ECONOMIC

1. WerenewourcommitmenttotheobjectivesandprinciplesofSAARCandpledgetoreinvigoratecooperationtorealizepeace,amity,progressandprosperityofallpeoplesofSouthAsia.



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2. We affirmour determination to create an inclusive, just and equitablepartnershipforpeace,developmentandprosperity.SatisfactoryprogresshasbeenmadeintheSAARCPreferentialTradingArrangement(SAPTA).ThesigningoftheFrameworkAgreementontheSouthAsianFreeTradeArea(SAFTA)isamajormilestone.Itisimportanttomaintainthismomentumandmove towards furtherbroadeningofeconomiccooperationand toensureequitabledistributionofbenefitsoftradeandcatertothespecialneedsofthesmallandLDCMemberStatesbyprovidingthemspecialanddeferentialtreatment.

3. We reiterate our commitment made at the 11th SAARC Summit atKathmanduinJanuary2002forthecreationofaSouthAsianEconomicUnion. In thiscontext,weunderline thatcreationofasuitablepoliticalandeconomicenvironmentwouldbeconducivetotherealizationofthisobjective.

4. A study on creating a South Asian Energy Cooperation including theconceptofanEnergyRingshouldbeundertakenbytheWorkingGrouponEnergy.

5. Foracceleratedandbalancedeconomicgrowthitisessentialtostrengthentransportation,transitandcommunicationlinksacrosstheregion.

6. Public andprivate sector cooperation,particularly joint ventures,holdsgreatpromise.ItisimportanttomovetowardsprojectcooperationunderSAARC.ProspectsforsettingupofaSouthAsianDevelopmentBankshouldbeexaminedbytheSAARCFINANCEandreport throughtheCouncilofMinisters.

7. Priorityattentionshouldalsobegiventotheneedforharmonizationofstandards, simplification of custom procedures, as well as cooperationamongthecentralbanks.

8. DevelopmentoftourismwithinSouthAsiacouldbringeconomic,socialandculturaldividends.ThereisaneedforincreasingcooperationtojointlypromotetourismwithinSouthAsiaaswellastopromoteSouthAsiaasatourismdestination,interalia,byimprovedairlinks.ToachievethisandtocommemoratethetwentiethyearoftheestablishmentofSAARC,theyear2005isdesignatedas“SouthAsiaTourismYear”,forthesuccessofwhich,eachmemberwouldindividuallyandjointlyorganizespecialevents.

9. SAARCmembersshouldcontinuetosafeguardtheircollectiveinterestsinmultilateralforumsbydiscussing,coordinatingandexchanginginformationwithaviewtoadoptingcommonpositions,whereappropriate,onvariousissues.

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POVERTY ALLEVIATION

10.We recognise poverty alleviation as the greatest challenge facing thepeoplesofSouthAsiaanddeclarepovertyalleviationastheoverarchinggoalofallSAARCactivities.Itisimperativetorelateregionalcooperationtotheactualneedsofthepeople.

11.Provisionofbasicneeds,promotionofliteracy,andbetterhealthcareareregional priorities. It is important to undertake effective and sustainedpovertyreductionprogrammesthroughpro-poorgrowthstrategiesandotherpolicyinterventionswithspecificsectoraltargets.

12.The Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation, prepared by themeeting ofFinanceandPlanningMinistersinIslamabadin2002,isherebyapproved.

13.The reconstituted Independent South Asian Commission for PovertyAlleviation(ISACPA)hasdonecommendablework.Aneffectivestrategyshould be devised to implement suggestions made in its Report “OurFutureOurResponsibility”.Inthiscontext,ISACPAshouldcontinueinanadvocacyrole.ItshouldprepareandsubmittothenextSAARCsummitacomprehensive and realistic blue-print settingout SAARCDevelopmentGoalsforthenextfiveyearsintheareasofpovertyalleviation,education,health and environment giving due regard, among others, to thesuggestionsmadeintheISACPAreport.

14.The SAARC Secretariat should periodically update and submit RegionalPovertyProfiles.

15.SAARC should continue to collaborate with international organizationsand UN agencies in the field of poverty alleviation. Arrangements forSAARC Food Security Reserve should bemademore effective.We alsorecommend the establishment of a Regional Food Bank for which aconceptpapershouldbeprepared.

16.InvestmentinhumanresourcesiscriticalforfuturedevelopmentofSouthAsia.Itis,therefore,essentialtoestablishanetworkofcentresofhigherlearningandtraining,andSkillDevelopmentInstitutes(SDIs)acrossSouthAsia.Inthiscontext,theroleoftheSAARCHumanResourceDevelopmentCentre(SHRDC)isimportant.


17.Strengthening of scientific and technological cooperation across theregion is fundamental to accelerating the pace of economic and socialdevelopment. Sharing of scientific and technological expertise, jointresearchanddevelopmentandindustrialapplicationofhighertechnologyshouldbeencouragedandfacilitated.



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SOCIAL ISSUES

18.WehailthesigningoftheSAARCSocialCharterasahistoricdevelopment,whichwouldhaveafar-reachingimpactonthelivesofmillionsofSouthAsians. Issues covered under the Charter, such as poverty alleviation,population stabilization, empowerment of women, youth mobilization,human resource development, promotion of health and nutrition, andprotectionofchildrenarekeystothewelfareandwellbeingofallSouthAsians.

19.Progress has been made in the constitution of SAARC AutonomousAdvocacyGroupofProminentWomenPersonalities(SAWAG).Toenablewomentocontributetothesocio-economicdevelopment,thereisaneedforSAARCtoencouragewomenentrepreneursintheregion.

20.Member States should move towards an early ratification of the twoConventionsonChildWelfareandTraffickinginWomenandChildrenforProstitution.

21.Easy and affordable health care, and prevention and treatment ofHIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other serious communicable diseases arepriorities.Theyear2004 isdeclaredas the“SAARCAwarenessYear forTB and HIV/AIDS”. The SAARC Secretariat should effectively implementtheproposedprogrammeson theobservanceof theSAARCAwarenessYearanddeveloparegionalstrategythroughaconsultativeprocessandcollaboratecloselywiththeJointUNProgrammeonHIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)andotherinternationalorganizationsandcivilsociety.

22.TheimportantinitiativetakenbytheMaldivesinhostingtheEmergencyMeetingoftheSAARCHealthMinistersonSARSEpidemicinMale’on29April2003,wasawelcomedevelopment.

23.As agreed by the SAARC Health Ministers’ Conference held recently inNewDelhi,aSAARCHealthSurveillanceCentreandaRapidDeploymentHealthResponseSystemshouldbesetuptodealwiththeemergingandre-emergingdiseasesaswellastoestablishanetworkbetweenvariousinstitutions dealing with malaria and other vector borne diseases inthe Member States. Also, documentation of traditional knowledge tosafeguardIntellectualPropertyRights(IPRs)inmedicineneedsattention.

24.Theimportanceofcooperationinmedicalexpertiseandpharmaceuticalsaswell as in the field of traditionalmedicine requires elaborationof aSAARCPlanofActionthatshouldbedevelopedintheshortestpossibletime.

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CULTURE

25.WetakeprideintherichculturalmosaicofthepeoplesofSouthAsiaandunderline the need for preservationof traditional skills and crafts, andpromotionofculturalexchangesbetweennations.

26.WewelcometheestablishmentofaSAARCCulturalCentreinKandy,whichwillserveasasymbolofSouthAsiansharedculturalheritage.

ENVIRONMENT

27.It is important to undertake and reinforce regional cooperation in theconservationofourwaterresourcesandenvironment,pollutionpreventionandcontrolaswellasourpreparednesstodealwithnaturalcalamities.Wewelcometheearlyestablishmentof theCoastalZoneManagementCentreintheMaldives.

28.TheearlyandeffectiveimplementationoftheSAARCEnvironmentPlanofActionisimportant.WefurtherstresstheearlysubmissionofcountrystateoftheenvironmentreportstoexpeditethepreparationofaSAARCstateofenvironmentreportandthecommissioningoftheworkondraftingaRegionalEnvironmentTreaty.

COMBATING TERRORISM

29.We condemn terrorist violence in all its forms andmanifestations andnote that people of South Asia continue to face a serious threat fromterrorism.

30.Weare convinced that terrorism, in all its formsandmanifestations, isachallenge toall statesand toallofhumanity,andcannotbe justifiedon any ground, whatsoever. Terrorism violates the fundamental valuesoftheUnitedNationsandtheSAARCCharterandconstitutesoneofthemost serious threats to international peace and security.We agree tofully implementtherelevant internationalconventionstowhichweareparties.

31.We reaffirm our commitment to the SAARC Regional Conventionon Suppression of Terrorism, which, among others, recognizes theseriousnessoftheproblemofterrorismasitaffectsthesecurity,stability,anddevelopmentoftheregion.

32.ThesigningoftheAdditionalProtocoltotheSAARCRegionalConventiononSuppressionofTerrorismtodealeffectivelywithfinancingofterrorismisafurthermanifestationofourdeterminationtoeliminateallformsandmanifestationsofterrorismfromSouthAsia.



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SAARC AWARD

33.WewelcometheinstitutionoftheSAARCAwardonthebasisofaconceptpaper drawn up by His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and decide topresenttheawardduringtheSummitsinfuture.TheAwardwillhonourandencourageoutstandingindividualsandorganizationswithintheregioninthefieldsofpeace,development,povertyalleviation,andinotherareasofregionalcooperation.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

34.We recognize thevital role that informationandmedia canplay in thepromotionofpeace,progressandharmonyinSouthAsia.Inthiscontext,theinitiativesforintroducingregular‘SAARCRoundup’and‘SAARCNews’programmesfortelecastandbroadcastonNationalTVandRadioChannelsrespectivelyinMemberCountriesisawelcomedevelopment.WeagreetotheestablishmentofaSAARCInformationCentreinKathmandu.

35.SAARC should endeavour to bring the benefits of information andcommunicationstechnologytoallpeoplesoftheregion,bridgingthedigitaldivideandassistinthedevelopmentofknowledgebasedsocieties.

SAARC INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION (SIPA)

36.WenotewithsatisfactiontheprogressachievedinregionalcooperationthroughSIPA.ThecommitmenttoSIPAmustbematchedbyacorrespondingallocationofresourcesforit.

STRENGTHENING OF THE SAARC SECRETARIAT

37.We agree to strengthen the capacity of the SAARC Secretariat. In thisregardaCommitteecomprisingofaMember fromeachMemberStateshouldmeetsoonandsubmititsrecommendationswithinthreemonthsfor consideration of the next session of the Council of Ministers. TheSecretaryGeneralwouldcoordinatetheworkoftheInter-GovernmentalCommittee. Pending implementation of the recommendations of theproposedCommitteeaPovertyAlleviationCellattheSecretariatshouldstart functioningwith a view to following up the Summit decisions onpovertyalleviation.


38.We encourage the development of specific projects relevant to theindividualneedsofthreeormoreMemberStatesundertheprovisionsofArticlesVIIandXoftheSAARCCharter.

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INTER-REGIONAL COOPERATION

39.We express our determination to develop mutually beneficial linksbetween SAARC and other regional and international organizations,bodiesandentitiesandagreetoestablishdialoguepartnershipwithotherregionalbodiesandwithstatesoutsidetheregion, interested inSAARCactivities.


40.WeenvisionSouthAsia tobeapeacefulandstable regionwhereeachnation is at peace with itself and its neighbours and where conflicts,differences and disputes are addressed through peaceful means anddialogue.

41.Wereaffirmourpledgetopromotegoodneighbourlyrelationsonthebasisof the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and nationalindependence,non-useof force,non-interventionandnon-interferenceand peaceful settlement of disputes and recognize the importance ofinformalpolitical consultations inpromotingmutualunderstandingandreinforcingconfidencebuildingprocessamongMemberStates.


42.We are particularly mindful of the security concerns of small statesthat arise, inter alia, from their particular vulnerabilities,which shouldbe firmly addressed by scrupulous adherence to theUN Charter, rulesof international law and strict adherence to the universally acceptedprinciplesandnormsrelatedtosovereignrightsandterritorial integrityofallstates.Thisshouldbeensuredbyall,bothseverallyandcollectively,throughappropriateactions.

43.WeendorsetherecommendationsmadebytheCouncilofMinistersatitsTwenty-thirdandTwenty-fourthSessions.

THIRTEENTH SAARC SUMMIT

44.WeappreciatetheofferofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladeshtohosttheThirteenthSAARCSummitinJanuary2005.



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DHAKA DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Thirteenth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 13th November, 2005.

1. ThePrimeMinisterofthePeoplesRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencyBegumKhaleda Zia; the PrimeMinister of the Kingdomof Bhutan,HisExcellencyLyonpoSangayNgedup;thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyDr.ManmohanSingh;thePresidentoftheRepublicofMaldives, His ExcellencyMr.Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; the King ofNepal,HisMajestyGyanendraBirBikramShahDev;thePrimeMinisteroftheIslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.ShaukatAziz;and,thePresidentoftheDemocraticSocialistRepublicofSriLanka,HerExcellencyMrs.ChandrikaBandaranaikeKumaratungametattheThirteenthSummitmeetingoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)inDhaka,Bangladeshon12-13November2005.


2. The Heads of State or Government noted that the Thirteenth SummitwastakingplaceatanimportantmomentintheevolutionofSouthAsiawhenSAARCstoodatthethresholdofanewdecadeofitsexistence.TheyagreedthattheSummitprovidedauniqueopportunitytoconsolidatethegainsmade in regional cooperationduring its first twodecades and tocharta forward-lookingstrategytopromoteeffectivecooperationatalllevelstorealizetheobjectivesandprinciplessetoutintheCharteroftheAssociation.

3. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatcooperationandpartnershipwithin the framework of SAARC is based on the sound foundation ofsharedvalues,beliefsandaspirations.TheobjectivesandgoalsofSAARC,they affirmed, were of continuing relevance and importance to allMemberStates.Thedynamicsofrecentpoliticalandeconomicchangesin South Asia and the world highlighted the importance of, and thecompellinglogicfor,amorevibrantandeffectiveprocessofconstructiveregional cooperation. They emphasized their commitment to makingsuchcooperationanenduringfeatureandthuscontributetotheregion’speace,progressandstability.

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4. The Heads of State or Government noted that SAARC has evolved in apositivedirectionduring thefirst twodecadesof itsexistenceand thatits agenda encompassed concerns and areas vital for the fulfillment oftheCharterobjectivesofpromotingthewelfareofthepeoplesofSouthAsia,acceleratingeconomicgrowth,socialprogress,culturaldevelopmentandstrengtheningcollectiveself-relianceamongthecountriesofSouthAsia. They stressed that realization of these objectives not only calledforcontinuedandserious result-orientedeffortsbutalso forconsistentendeavourstotranslatepledgesandcommitmentsintoconcreteactions,regional initiatives and projects. They reiterated their commitment tomakingSAARCaneffectiveinstrumentforcooperation,whichwillvisiblyimprovethequalityoflifeofmillionsinSouthAsia.

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedthateffortsmustcontinuetofreeSouthAsiafrompoverty,hungerandotherformsofdeprivationandsocial injusticewhichpresentadauntingchallenge.MemberStatesexpressed determination to work towards significantly acceleratingregional cooperation in economic areas. Themain emphasiswill be tosecureawidereconomicspace,sothatbenefitsandopportunitiesofferedtherein can be shared by all, and that the true economic potential ofSouthAsiacanbefullyrealized.EffortswillbemadetocreatedynamiccomplementaritiesinthedevelopmentofhumanresourcesandcapacityofMemberStatestoaddresstheircommonchallenges.Theyunderlinedtheneedtoaccelerateregionalcooperationthroughallpossiblemeansandmechanisms,includingexchangeofbestpracticesinvariousfieldsintheMemberStates.

6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedthatthepeoplesofSouthAsia are the real source of strength and driving force for SAARC andresolved tomake regional cooperationmore responsive to their hopesand aspirations. They agreed that the Association should broaden itsengagementwiththecivilsocietyorganizations,professionalgroups,andentrepreneurs.MemberStatesshouldalsostrivetopromoteandasserttheir South Asian identity, encourage greater people-to-people contactanddrawstrengthfromtheirsharedculturalheritage.

7. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedtheimportanceofinitiatingprojectcooperationundertheSAARCauspices.TheyencouragedMemberStates to undertake projects, as per existing provisions of the Charter.These projects may pertain to economic and social sectors, includingHuman Resource Development and Poverty Alleviation. These may beundertaken,whererequired,withfinancialortechnicalassistance,from



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InternationalFinancialInstitutions(IFIs)or,UNFundsandProgrammesor,anyextra-regionalState,asappropriate.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

8. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedtodeclarethedecadeof2006-2015 as the SAARC Decade of Poverty Alleviation. During the Decade,endeavours-bothatthenationalandregionallevel-willcontinuetobemadewithasenseofcommitmentandurgencytofreeSouthAsiafrompoverty.

9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentappreciatedthevaluableworkoftheIndependentSouthAsianCommissiononPovertyAlleviation(ISACPA).Theyalsoendorsed theSAARCDevelopmentGoals (SDGs),as recommendedbytheCommission,andcalledforfollow-upandimplementationofthePlanofActiononPovertyAlleviation,adoptedbythe12thSAARCSummit.They entrusted the ISACPA to continue its advisory and advocacy rolein this regard. They endorsed the priorities for action identified in theReportofISACPAadoptedbytheTwelfthSAARCSummit.Theyagreedthattheseprioritieswouldbedulytakenintoaccountwhileworkingouttheelementsforregionalinitiativesinthisvitalarea.Theydecidedtofocusonformulation and implementationof concrete regional programmes andprojectsaswellasforgingpartnershipsamongallstakeholders.

10.Underliningtheneedforanexclusiveforumforfocusedandcomprehensiveexaminationofpovertyrelatedissues,theHeadsofState/Governmentdecidedtoreplacethethree-tiermechanismonpovertyalleviationbyatwo-tierone,comprisingtheMinistersandtheSecretariesdealingwithPovertyAlleviationatthenationallevel.

FUNDING MECHANISMS

11.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedtoestablishaSAARCPovertyAlleviation Fund (SPAF) with contributions both voluntary and/or,assessed,asmaybeagreed.Theycalledupon theFinanceMinisters toformulaterecommendationsontheoperationalmodalitiesoftheFund,taking into consideration the outcome of theMeeting of the FinancialExperts. Inthisregard,theywelcomedtheofferofPakistantohostthenextmeetingoftheFinanceMinisters.TheoperationalmodalitiesoftheSPAF shall be decided by the Finance/ Planning Ministers. They agreedthattheSPAFshallfunctionwithintheSADFtobereconstituted,asSAARCDevelopmentFund(SDF),toserveastheumbrellafinancialinstitutionforallSAARCprojectsandprogrammesandcomprisethreeWindowsnamely

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Social Window, Infrastructure Window and Economic Window with aPermanentSecretariat.

12.The Heads of State or Government decided that Finance MinistersshouldmeetwithinthefirstquarteraftereverySummitandalsoonthesidelinesof theWorldBankandADBannualmeetings, to takestockofmacro-economicdevelopmentsandoutlookforSouthAsia,achievementofSAARCDevelopmentGoalsasco-relatedtoMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs)andtoassesstheinvestmentclimate,foreigncapitalinflows,financialsectorreformsandotherareasofcooperation.

ADVANCING ECONOMIC COOPERATION

13.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedthatacceleratingcooperationinthecoreeconomicareaswasofvitalimportancefortherealizationofCharterobjectivesandalsoformakingSouthAsiatrulyvibrant,dynamicandsecure in itsrobustprogress.Theyreaffirmedtheircommitmenttoacceleratecooperationintheeconomicandcommercialfields,especiallyin the energy sector. They noted the progress in the negotiations onoutstanding issues and directed early finalization of all the AnnexesensuringentryintoforceoftheSAFTAAgreementasagreed,witheffectfrom1January2006.

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheimportanceoftheentryintoforceoftheSAFTAAgreementonthescheduleddatei.e.1January2006.ThelaunchingofSAFTAwouldmarkanimportantmilestoneontheroadtoaSouthAsianEconomicUnion.TheydirectedthatthenegotiationsontheoutstandingissuesundertheAgreementshouldbecompletedbyendNovember2005.They furtherdirected that thenecessarynationalproceduresshouldbecompletedintimetofacilitatetheoperationalisationoftheAgreement.

15.Theyreiteratedtheneedtostrengthentransportationandcommunicationlinksacrosstheregionforacceleratedandbalancedeconomicgrowth.Theydirectedfurthermeasuresaimedattradeliberalisation,asprovidedforintheSAFTAAgreement.Theynotedwithsatisfaction theongoingSAARCRegionalMultimodalTransportStudytoenhancetransportconnectivityamong the Member States. The Heads of State or Government agreedtoundertaketradefacilitationmeasures,includingtransitamongSAARCcountries,onthebasisofunderstandingamongconcernedcountries,forenhancingintra-regionaltradeandothereconomicactivities.TheynotedtheIndianproposalinthisregard.Theyagreedtostudytheproposalby



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India for daily air service facility by designated airlines, on a reciprocalbasisandwithoutprejudicetoexistingrights,toalltheSAARCMemberStatesandalsotheproposaltoextendfifthfreedomrightstodesignatedairlinesfromtheMemberStates,bothintermediateandbeyond,withintheSAARCregiononareciprocalbasis.

16.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedtheneedtotaketheprocessof regional economic integration further by expanding the scope ofSAFTAtoincludetradeinservices,enhancedinvestmentandharmonizedstandards.

17.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesigningofthefollowingAgreementsduringthethirteenthSAARCSummit:

o TheAgreementonMutual AdministrativeAssistance in CustomsMatters

o TheAgreementontheEstablishmentofSAARCArbitrationCouncil

o The Limited Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation andMutualAdministrativeAssistanceinTaxMatters

18.Theyemphasizedtheneedforparallelinitiativesfordismantlingofnon-tariffandpara-tariffbarriers. Inthiscontext,theycalledforexpeditiousactiononconclusionofagreementsonmutualrecognitionofstandards,testingandmeasurementswithaviewtofacilitatingintra-regionaltrade.Theyrecognizedthepotentialoftradeinserviceswhichhaveexpandedrapidlyattheinformallevel.TheycalledforastudytoseehowservicescouldbeintegratedintotheSAFTAprocess.

19.The Heads of State or Government decided to encourage, whereappropriate, trade-creating investment in the Member States. TheystressedtheneedforcloserregionalcooperationinthefieldofInformationandCommunicationTechnologies(ICT),includingTele-communications.

20.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheJointStatementoftheFirstSAARCEnergyMinistersmeetinginOctober2005inIslamabad.Theyagreed to the recommendation to establish the SAARC Energy Centrein Islamabad; to promote development of energy resources, includinghydropower; and energy trade in the region; to develop renewableand alternative energy resources; and promote energy efficiency andconservationintheregion.TheyunderlinedtheneedtoconstituteaSouthAsian Energy Dialogue process, involving officials, experts, academics,environmentalistsandNGOs,torecommendmeasurestotappotentials

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ofcooperationinenergysectortoprovideinputstotheWorkingGrouponEnergy.

21.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedtheproposalfortheestablishmentofaRegional FoodBankproposedby Indiaandagreed toexamine theproposal.

22.Withregardtoparagraph15oftheCouncilofMinistersReport,theHeadsof State or Government noted the offer of Nepal to host the RegionalSupportUnit.

SOUTH ASIA’S SOCIAL CHALLENGES

23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttotakeinitiativesatnationalaswellasregionallevelsforachievingthespecificobjectives contained in the SAARC Social Charter. They recognized thatrealizationoftheseobjectivesiscrucialtoenableSAARCtomeetthehopesandaspirationsofthecommonpeoplesofSouthAsiaandvisiblyimprovethequalityoftheirlives.Theyemphasizedthatinoutliningfutureactionsinthisregardnational implementationeffortsshouldbecomplementedbyregionalprogrammesandprojectsinareasrequiringcollectiveregionalresponse.Theyappreciated theestablishmentofNationalCoordinationCommittees(NCCs)inallMemberStates,decidedonannualmeetingsoftheHeadsofNCCsanddirectedconveningof theirfirstmeetingat theearliest for follow-up and implementation of the Social Charter. In thisregard,theynotedtheproposalfromtheMaldivestoconveneanexperts’groupmeetingonestablishingaCivilSocietyResourceCentre.

24.The Heads of State or Government called upon the Member States toexpeditiously complete theprocessofpreparing theirnational strategyandplanofaction.Theyalsoemphasizedthatnational implementationefforts shouldbecomplementedby regionalprojectsandprogrammes.Inthiscontext,theydirectedthatregionalprojects,particularlyinhealthandpovertyalleviation,shouldbeinitiated.

25.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirpledgetocontinuetoworkinthenextdecadeandbeyondtoaddresstheformidablechallengesfacedbywomenandchildren,especially thegirlchild.Theynotedthatsustained efforts were needed on the part of theMember States notonly to free them fromall typesofdeprivationbut also tomake themfullpartnersandbeneficiariesofSouthAsianprogressanddevelopment.In this context, theydecided thatamid-termreviewof theprogress inrealizing the objectives of SAARC Decade on the Rights of the Child(2001-2010)shouldbeundertakenin2006.



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26.The Heads of State or Government affirmed their strong resolve tocontinue towork together toaddress theproblemposedby traffickinginwomenandchildren.TheyexpressedsatisfactionattheratificationoftheSAARCConventionsrelatingtoTraffickinginWomenandChildrenandPromotionofChildWelfarebyallMemberStatesandcalledforeffectivemeasuresfortheirearlyimplementation.Theynotedthatthecivilsocietyorganizations and themedia have an important role to play in raisingawarenessofthedegradingandinhumantreatmentfacedbythevictimsoftrafficking.Theyencouragedthemtocontinuetheirconstructiveroleinthisregard.TheystressedthatlawenforcementagenciesintheMemberStatesshouldalsocoordinateandstrengthentheireffortstoaddressthisproblemeffectively.

27.The Heads of State or Government noted the achievements of theMember States during recent years in the area of primary educationthrough sustained efforts and adoption of country specific innovativeapproaches. They recognized that regional initiatives in this particularareamightfocusonsharingofexperiencesandbestpractices.Theyalsocalled foroptimalutilizationof resourcesand identificationof strategicinterventions in the area of training, management and performanceevaluationoftheseprogrammessoastoensuresustainability,coverageandqualityofeducationimpartedandservicesprovided.TheystressedthatfreeingSouthAsiafromthescourgeofilliteracyisamajorobjectiveof SAARC in the third decade of its activities. They called for effectivemeasurestorealizetheSDGs,inparticularuniversalprimaryeducationinthecontextofpursuingtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals.

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedthattomeetthechallengesofthetwenty-firstcenturyMemberStatesmustmakeimportantstridesintheareasofscience,technologyandhighereducation.Theydecidedtogivepriorityattentiontoencourageregionalcooperationintheseareastoderivebenefitsfromthesynergyofcollective,well-plannedandfocusedinitiativesundertakenbyMemberStates.TheydirectedthataSAARCPlanofActionforScience,ICTandTechnologybeelaboratedforconsiderationduringaMeetingofSAARCScience,ICTandTechnologyMinisterstobeconvenedassoonaspossible.TheynotedtheofferofIndiatoestablishaSouthAsianUniversityandagreedtoexaminethismatterfurther.

29.The Heads of State or Government recognized the need to collaborateonpreparednessforaddressinghealthemergencies,includingpreventionand control of pandemics like avian influenza, as these pose a majorglobalthreatwithimpactonhealth,tradeandtourisminvolvinghuman

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mobility. They emphasized on the need to develop a regional strategyfor such emergencies as soon as possible; and identify and strengthencollaborationwithinandbeyondtheregionandestablishlinkswithotherregional organizations. They called for early establishment of a SAARCHealth Surveillance Centre and a Rapid Deployment Health ResponseSystem,todealwithemergingandre-emergingdiseases.

30.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthepreparationofastrategyfor collective SAARC response toprevent the spreadofHIV/AIDS. Theynotedthatregionalresponse inthisregardshouldbefurtherenhancedto eliminate this dreadful disease from South Asia. In this regard, theyemphasized the importance of early implementation of the RegionalStrategyofHIV/AIDS.At thesametime, theyunderscored theneed forincreasingcooperationtodevelopregionalstrategiesforthepreventionandtreatmentofDengue,Malariaandotherinfectiousorcommunicablediseasesconstitutingmajorpublichealthconcerns.

31.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtolauncharegionalinitiativewithregardtobasichealthcareservicesandsanitationintheruralareasand encouraged exchange of experience and best practices within theregion.TheycalledforexpeditingelaborationofaSAARCPlanofActionfor cooperation in medical expertise and pharmaceuticals, as well astraditionalmedicine,andavailingaffordablepharmaceuticalsproducedintheregion,harmonizationofstandardsandcertificationproceduresandproductionofaffordablemedicines.Theyalsoagreedthatstepsshouldbetakentopromotetraditionalmedicineandtoprotecttheintellectualpropertyrightsrelatedtothemasamatterofregionalpriority.

SOUTH ASIA’S ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND NATURAL DISASTERS

32.They further decided to consider themodalities for having a RegionalEnvironmentTreatyinfurtheringenvironmentalcooperationamongtheSAARCMemberStates.Theyexpresseddeepconcernat thecontinuingdegradationofenvironmentandreaffirmedtheimportanceofconcertedactionintheprotectionandpreservationofenvironment.WhileexpressingsatisfactionattheprogressinimplementationoftheSAARCEnvironmentActionPlan,theLeaderswelcomedthedecisionoftheCouncilofMinisterstoestablishaSAARCForestryCentreinBhutan.TheyemphasizedontheneedfortheCentretohaveacoordinatingroleinthefieldofForestryforexchangeof information,expertise,trainingandformulationofregionalprojectswithemphasisonsocialforestry



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33.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the Declaration of theSpecialSessionoftheSAARCEnvironmentMinistersinMaleinJune2005convened in the wake of the tsunami catastrophe. They endorsed therecommendation for elaboration of regional programmes and projectsfor early warning, preparedness and management of tsunami andothernaturaldisasters.Theycalled forelaborationofaComprehensiveFrameworkonEarlyWarningandDisasterManagement.

34.They endorsed the decision of the Special Session of the SAARCEnvironmentMinisters to further enhance the capacity of the existingSAARC Institutions namely, SAARCMeteorological Research Centre andSAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre, to carry out their mandatedtasks.

35.Inviewoftheextensive lossof lifeandcolossaldamagetopropertyasaresultofearthquakeandtsunamiandothernaturaldisastersinSouthAsia,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderscoredtheurgencytoputinplaceapermanentregionalresponsemechanismdedicatedtodisasterpreparedness,emergency reliefand rehabilitation toensure immediateresponse.Theydirectedtheconcernednationalauthoritiestocoordinatetheir activities in such areas of disastermanagement as earlywarning,exchange of information, training and sharing of experiences and bestpracticesinemergencyreliefefforts.

36.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderlinedtheneedforcollaborativeactionintheareaofenvironment,includingwaterconservation,topromotesustainabledevelopment.TheydecidedtoproclaimtheYear2007asthe‘YearofGreenSouthAsia’devotedtoaregion-wideaforestationcampaign.They also agreed to address the problem of arsenic contamination ofgroundwaterandassistancetoaffectedpeoples.

COMBATING TERRORISM

37.The Heads of State or Government agreed that terrorism violates thefundamental valuesof the SAARCCharter and theUnitedNations, andconstitutes one of themost critical threats to international peace andsecurity.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedtheirsatisfactionat the ratification of the Additional Protocol to the SAARC ConventiononSuppressionofTerrorismbyallMemberStatesandcalledforputtingin place effective mechanisms for its implementation. They stronglycondemnedterroristviolenceinallitsformsandmanifestations,agreedthatterrorismisachallengetoallStatesandathreattoallofhumanity,

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and cannot be justified on any grounds. They underlined that thereshouldbenodoublestandardsinthefightagainstterrorism.Inviewofthecontinuingandrecentterroristattacksintheregionandtheirimpacton security, economic stability and social development, they expressedtheirdeterminationtouniteintheireffortsinpreventingandcombatingterrorism.TheyalsonotedtheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilresolution1373(2001)inthisregard.

38.They called for early and effective implementation of the AdditionalProtocol to the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism. Theyunderscored the need for an early conclusion of a ComprehensiveConvention on International Terrorism. They also agreed thatMemberStates would strengthen their cooperation in such important areas asexchange of information, coordination and cooperation among theirrelevantagencies.

39.TheydecidedthatSAARCInterior/HomeMinisterswouldmeetannuallyprecededbyameetingoftheInterior/HomeSecretaries.

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirectedthatconcretemeasuresbetakentoenforcetheprovisionsof theRegionalConventiononNarcoticDrugs and Psychotropic Substances through an appropriate regionalmechanism.


41.The Heads of State or Government noted that due to their specificvulnerabilities, small states require special measures for support fromall concerned for safeguarding their sovereignty, independence andterritorialintegrity.Inthiscontext,theystressedthatprotectionofsmallstatesshouldbefirmlyrootedinscrupulousadherencetotheUNCharter,ruleoflawandthestrictadherencetouniversallyacceptedprinciplesandnorms related to sovereign rights and territorial integrity of all States,irrespective of their size. They committed themselves to give concreteexpressiontoprotecttheinterestandsecurityofallsmallstatesthroughthepursuitofappropriatepoliciesandactions.

PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACT AND CULTURAL COOPERATION

42.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatthespiritofSAARCneededtobesustainedbyefforts topromotepeople-to-peoplecontactandbyavibrantcivilsocietythroughoutSouthAsiaactivelyengagedinforginglinksacrossnationalboundaries.TheyfeltthattheAssociationofSAARC



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SpeakersandParliamentariansshouldmeetatanearlydatetoestablishamechanismforperiodiccontactsamongtheParliamentariansofSouthAsia.TheystressedthatcontinuedeffortswouldbemadebytheMemberStates at all levels to promote people-to-people contact by facilitatingtravelamongSAARCcountries,promotionofyouthexchangesincultureandsports,promotionofintra-SAARCtourism,establishmentoflinkagesamong professional bodies and through adoption of other concretemeasures.Theydecidedtolaunch2006as“SouthAsiaTourismYear.”TheydirectedtheirMinistersforTourismtomeetatanearlydateandelaborateaplanofactivitiestobeundertakenduringtheyear2006.TheyalsostatedthatMemberStateswouldencourageinitiativesbyprivatesectorentitiesinpromotingunderstandingandharmonyintheregion.

43.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedthecrucialroleofculturein bringing the peoples of South Asia closer. They also stressed thatcooperationintheareaofculturewasvitalforreinforcingandprojectingthe distinct identity of South Asia. In this context, they expressedsatisfaction on the progress made in establishing the SAARC CulturalCentreinKandyandunderlinedtheimportanceofmakingitoperationalattheearliest.TheyalsodirectedtheSAARCMinistersofCulturetomeetassoonaspossibletoelaborateaSAARCAgendaforCulture.TheynotedtheofferofIndiatoestablishaSAARCMuseumofTextilesandHandicraftsinteraliatopreservedesignsinvariouscraftsandrelatedtraditions,trainartisansandcraftspersons,fosterdesignskills,holdpromotionalevents,undertakeresearch.

INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

44.TheHeadsof StateorGovernment reviewed internationalpolitical andeconomic developments since their last Summit in Islamabad. Theyunderscored the imperativeneed toensureuniversaladherence to theprinciplesandobjectivesenshrinedintheUNCharter.Theycalledupontheinternationalcommunitytoredoubleeffortstomeetthecommitmentsof the Millennium Summit and the Monterrey consensus. They notedthe outcome of the UN World Summit 2005 and underlined the needfor meaningful reforms of the United Nations system in consonancewithitsroleasthecentralorganforthecooperativemanagementoftheglobalproblemsandforthepromotionofpeace,security,development,justice and human rights. They also reiterated their full support for acomprehensiveapproach,whichwould facilitate implementationof theMillenniumDeclarationandtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs)inatimeboundmanner.

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45.The Heads of State or Government stressed that promotion of globalpeaceandsecurityinteraliacalledforremovingtheexistingasymmetriesinsecurityandinensuringundiminishedsecurityforall,attheregionaland global levels. They also emphasized the importance of pursuingeffectivelytheglobalobjectivesofuniversaldisarmamentandpreventingtheproliferationofweaponsofmassdestruction.

46.The Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment tofurther strengthen the multilateral trade regime of WTO. They calledupon all WTO members to demonstrate necessary understanding andaccommodationforabreakthroughattheHongKongMinisterialmeetinginDecember2005topavethewayforthesuccessfulconclusionoftheDoha Development Round. They underscored that the developmentdimensionshouldcontinuetobeattheheartoftheon-goingnegotiationssothatthelegitimateconcernsofthedevelopingcountriesareadequatelyreflectedintheoutcomeofthecurrentroundoftradenegotiations.Theyagreed that the SAARC Member States would work closely together tocoordinate their positions in the on-going negotiations on trade andotherkeyeconomic issues.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirectedtheCommerceMinisterstoholdconsultationsonthesidelinesofthe6thWTOMinisterialConferencetobeheldinHongKonginDecember2005,toevolveacommonSAARCPositiononissuesofcommonconcern.

47.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentaddressedthequestionofelectingtheSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNationsintheyear2006,beingawareofthe unanimous view that the well-established principle of geographicalrotationshouldbeobservedandthatanAsianshouldbeappointedasthenextSecretaryGeneraloftheUnitedNations.Inthisregard,theynotedthatSriLankahasofferedacandidate.


48.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the growing importancebeing placed by all Member States to promote cooperation in anenvironment of enduring peace and stability in South Asia. Theyreiterated their commitment to the principles of sovereign equality,territorial integrity and national independence, non-use of force, non-intervention,andnon-interferenceintheinternalaffairsofotherMemberStates. Recognizing the increasing interdependence and the imperativeofpursuingtheobjectivesofpeace,freedom,socialjusticeandeconomicprosperity,theyre-affirmedtheirresolvetofostermutualunderstanding,goodneighbourlyrelationsandamoremeaningfulcooperationthroughsustainedconstructiveengagementamongMemberStates.



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EXTERNAL PROFILE AND LINKAGES OF SAARC

49.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheobserverstatusgrantedto SAARC by the United Nations General Assembly at its Fifty-ninthSession;andexpressed thehope that thiswouldnotonlyenhance theprofileofSAARCintheworldbodybutwouldalsoenableMemberStatesto project common positions of SAARC in various multilateral forums.They also acknowledged the renewed interest of other regional andinternationalorganizations,bodiesandentitiestocooperatewithSAARCin various collaborative endeavours in accordance with the objectivesand priorities of SAARC. TheHeads of State orGovernmentwelcomedtherequestbythe IslamicRepublicofAfghanistanformembershipandinvitedAfghanistanasamember,subjecttothecompletionofformalities.TheyalsowelcomedandagreedinprinciplewiththedesireofthePeople’sRepublicofChinaandJapantobeassociatedasobservers.TheCouncilofMinisterswilldecidethemodalitiesinthisregardattheirtwenty-seventhmeetinginJuly2006.

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS OF SAARC

50.The Heads of State or Government agreed that with the incrementalbroadeningof theSAARCagendaand increasedemphasisbeingplacedon implementation of plans and programmes, there was a need fora commensurate strengthening of institutional capabilities of SAARC.Recognizing the importance of thematic Ministerial meetings, theyemphasizedthatthesemeetingsshouldfocusonregionalchallengesandpriorities 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 SAARCinstitutionsandmechanisms, includingtheSecretariatandtheRegionalCentersshouldbeundertaken.Inthiscontext,theycalledontheCouncilofMinisterstoconveneaMeetingofExperts,tobenominatedbyeachMemberState,toundertakeadetailedStudyandpresentareporttothenextCouncilofMinisters.TheyempoweredthecurrentChairmanoftheCouncilofMinisterstopreparewithinthenextfifteendaysadraftTermsofReferencefortheStudytobeapproved,ifnecessary,bytele-conferencingofallSAARCForeignMinisters.

SAARC VISION: AN AGENDA FOR THIRD DECADE OF SAARC

51.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheircommitmenttotherealisationofthevisionofSouthAsianEconomicUnioninaphasedand

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plannedmanner.TheyagreedthatasSAARCcompleteditstwentyyearsof its existence, it was an opportune occasion to draw a roadmap forregional cooperation in SouthAsia for the next decade. In viewof thenewchallengesfacingtheregion,pledgesandcommitmentsmadeinthelasttwodecadesshouldbetranslatedintoconcreteactionsintheformofregionalprojectsandprogrammesandinnovativeinitiatives.

52.TheydirectedallSAARCinstitutionsandmechanismstoworkcollectivelytowards a decade dedicated to implementation so that a visible anddiscernible impact canbe feltacrossSouthAsia.Theyemphasized thatwhilethiswouldenableSAARCtorealizeitsbasicobjectivesofimprovingthequalityof lifeofallSouthAsianpeoples, itwouldatthesametimecreate an enabling environment towards the establishment of a SouthAsianEconomicUnion.TheydirectedtheStandingCommitteetoformulateitsrecommendations,atitsnextSpecialSession,onaVisionforSAARC’sThirdDecadeandthecourseofactionforitsrealization,tobeelaboratedbyahigh-levelCommitteeofSeniorOfficials.

DATE AND VENUE OF THE FOURTEENTH SAARC SUMMIT

53.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheofferoftheGovernmentof India to host the Fourteenth SAARC Summit in the first quarterof2007.



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DELHI DECLARATIONThe Declaration of the Fourteenth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 4th April, 2007.

1. The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His ExcellencyMr.HamidKarzai; theChiefAdviserof theGovernmentof thePeople’sRepublic of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed; thePrimeMinisteroftheKingdomofBhutan,HisExcellencyLyonpoKhanduWangchuk; the PrimeMinister of the Republic of India, His ExcellencyDr. Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, HisExcellencyMr.MaumoonAbdulGayoom; the PrimeMinister ofNepal,Rt. Hon’bleMr.Girija Prasad Koirala; the PrimeMinister of the IslamicRepublicofPakistan,HisExcellencyMr.ShaukatAziz;andthePresidentoftheDemocraticSocialistRepublicofSriLanka,HisExcellencyMr.MahindaRajapaksa,met at the Fourteenth Summitmeeting of the South AsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)heldinNewDelhi,IndiaonApril3-4,2007.

2. The Heads of State or Government welcomed the entry of the IslamicRepublic of Afghanistan into SAARC. This was a historic moment asAfghanistanassumeditsrightfulplaceasavaluedmemberoftheSAARCfraternity.

3. The Heads of State or Government reiterated their commitment totheprinciplesandobjectivesenshrined in theSAARCCharter.With thewelfareofthepeoplesofSouthAsiauppermostintheirmind,theyagreedtobuildaPartnershipforProsperityandworktowardssharedeconomiccooperation,regionalprosperity,abetterlifeforthepeopleofSouthAsia,and equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities of integrationamongthepeoplesandthenations.

4. The Heads of State or Government recognised the importance ofconnectivity infulfillingtheseobjectives. ItwasvitaltofirsthavebetterconnectivitywithinSouthAsiaandthenwiththerestoftheworld.Theyagreed to improve intra-regional connectivity, particularly physical,economicandpeople-to-peopleconnectivity.Theyagreed to thevision

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of a South Asian community, where there was smooth flow of goods,services,peoples,technologies,knowledge,capital,cultureandideasintheregion.TheSAARCCarRally,intherun-uptotheFourteenthSAARCSummit,hadvividlysymbolizedthisconnectivity.

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthattheremarkablegrowthof the economies of SAARC countries has opened new opportunitiesto pursue the fight against poverty with firm resolve. They called fordeepeningofpro-poororientationofgrowthprocess,includingthroughenhancing investment in human capital and infrastructure, increasingbudgetary allocations for relevant sectors and improved delivery ofservices. They reiterated their commitment towards project-basedcooperationtostrengthencollectiveeffortsintheregion.

6. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentacknowledgedthatthereisawiderangeofhomegrownbestpracticesand innovative solutions for transformingthe lives of peoples in South Asia. They decided to earmark one ruralcommunity as SAARC Village in each Member State to showcase theseinnovative models of development in order to further replicate theseacrosstheregion.

7. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognisedthatthe implementationoftheSocialCharterneedsfocusedattentionanddirectedtheNationalCoordination Committees (NCCs) to formulate concrete programmesand projects to complement national implementation efforts. Theyunderscored that civil society organizations have a vital role to play indrivingforwardtheimplementationoftheSocialCharteranddirectedtheNCCstomobilizecivilsocietyorganizationstoachievethisend.

8. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentappreciated the IndependentSouthAsianCommissiononPovertyAlleviation(ISACPA)foritselaborationoftheSAARCDevelopmentGoals(SDGs),whichreflecttheregionaldeterminationtomakefasterprogresstowardsattainingtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals(MDGs).TheyagreedthatthenationalplansforpovertyalleviationshouldappropriatelymirrortheregionalconsensusreachedintheformoftheSDGsandthePlanofActiononPovertyAlleviation.DecidingthatresourcemobilizationforachievingtheSDGswouldremainahighpriorityintheDecadeofPovertyAlleviation,theLeadersdirectedtranslationofthehighest regional level political commitment into action for creatingopportunitiesforproductiveemploymentandgreateraccesstoresourcesforthepoorthatareessentialforthemtoenhancetheirlivelihoodand



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realize their potentials. They entrusted the Two-tier Mechanism onPovertyAlleviationtomonitortheprogressandfine-tunetheapproachestowardspro-poorgrowthprocess.

9. The Heads of State or Government recognized the full benefits of anintegratedmultimodaltransportsystemintheregion.Theyemphasizedthatthiswouldnotberealizedunlessphysicalinfrastructureandmattersrelatingtocustomsclearanceandother facilitationmeasures, includingmultimodaltransportoperations,wereaddressedcomprehensively.Theycalled for an extension of the SAARC Regional Multimodal TransportStudy(SRMTS)to includeAfghanistanaswell.Theyalsocalledforearlyimplementation of the recommendations contained in the Study in aphasedmanner.Inthiscontext,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentdirectedtheInter-GovernmentalGrouponTransporttoidentifyanddevelopsub-regionalandregionalprojectsbasedontheprioritisedrecommendationsoftheSAARCRegionalMultimodalTransportStudy(SRMTS)andtodevelopappropriateregionalagreements.TheynotedtheofferofIndiatoholdtheMeetingofSAARCMinistersofTransportinNewDelhiin2007.Theyalsodirectedthatpilotprojects for improvingconnectivitybe identifiedandimplementedthroughmutualconsultationsamongtheMemberStates.

10.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedthatinitsthirddecadeofexistence,therewasanurgentneedtomoveSAARCfromdeclaratorytoimplementationphase.TheydirectedthatthefocusofSAARCshouldbeon implementingcollaborativeprojects thatare concreteandeffective.The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is an important pillar that wouldbringconcretebenefitstothepeopleoftheregion.TheydirectedthattheSDFbemadeoperationalattheearliest.TheyagreedthattheresourcesforSDFwouldbemobilisedbothfromwithinandoutsidetheregion.TheystressedtheimportanceofdecisionmakingandworkingoftheSDFbeingconsistentwiththeSAARCCharter.Theycalledforearlyidentificationandimplementationofregionalandsub-regionalprojectsundertheSDF.

11.The Heads of States or Governments recognized the region’s rapidlyincreasingenergydemandsformeetingthedevelopmentalneedsofSAARCcountries.Theyalsoacknowledgedtheneedofexpeditingdevelopmentof conventional sources of energy in a sustainable manner and forstrengthening renewable energy development such as in hydropower,bio-fuel,solarandwind.TheywelcomedtheorganizingofthefirsteverSouthAsiaEnergyDialogueinMarch2007inDelhi.Theycalledforearlyimplementation of the recommendations of the Second SAARC Energy

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Ministers’Meetingtoenhanceregionalcooperation.

12.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreiteratedtheirdeepconcernatthecontinueddegradationofenvironmentandreaffirmedtheneedtofurtherstrengthen cooperation towards protection and conservation of theenvironmentasapriorityarea.Inthisregard,whilenotingtheprogressintheimplementationoftheSAARCPlanofActiononEnvironment,theycalled for concerted efforts to implement various initiatives under thePlaninatimelymanner.

13.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionatthelaunchingof2007asthe‘YearofGreenSouthAsia’.Theyreiteratedthatcollaborationin addressing the problem of arsenic contamination of groundwater,desertificationandmeltingofglaciersandassistancetoaffectedpeoplesshouldbedeepened.Theyexpresseddeepconcernoverglobal climatechangeandtheconsequentrise insea leveland its impactonthe livesandlivelihoodsintheregion.Theyemphasisedtheneedforassessingandmanagingitsrisksandimpacts.Theycalledforadaptationofinitiativesandprogrammes;cooperation inearly forecasting,warningandmonitoring;andsharingofknowledgeonconsequencesofclimatechangeforpursuingaclimateresilientdevelopmentinSouthAsia.Theyagreedtocommissionateamofregionalexpertstoidentifycollectiveactionsinthisregard.

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheneedforcloserregionalcooperation in thefieldof informationandcommunication technology.Theynotedwithappreciationtheestablishmentofacollaborativehealthcareprojectinvolvingaregionaltelemedicine-network.TheydirectedthatstepsbetakentoextendittootherICTenabledfieldssuchaseducation.Theyagreedtotakestepstofacilitaterationalizationoftelecomtariffona reciprocalbasis. Theyalsoagreed thatnational and regional telecominfrastructureshouldbeupgradedtoboostpeople-to-peopleconnectivityintheregion.

15.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontimelyratificationof SAFTA Agreement by all member countries. They stressed the needforensuringeffectivemarketaccessthroughsmoothimplementationoftradeliberalizationprogrammeanddirectedtheSAFTAbodiestoreviewtheprogressonaregularbasis.TheyemphasizedthatSAFTAshouldbeimplementedinletterandspirit.SuccessfulimplementationofSAFTAwillcatalyse other areas of regional economic cooperation. They stressedthattorealizeitsfullpotential,SAFTAshouldintegratetradeinservices.



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TheycalledforafinalisationofanAgreementintheservicessectorattheearliest.TheyalsodirectedthattheAgreementonInvestmentPromotionandProtectionbefinalized.

16.The Heads of State or Government underlined the importance ofimplementing trade facilitationmeasures, especially standardization ofbasic customs nomenclature, documentation and clearing procedures.Theydirectedthatacomprehensiveagreementonharmonizingcustomsproceduresbefinalised.Theyalsonotedthatharmonizationoftechnicalandphyto-sanitarystandardsandtheirimplementationinatrade-friendlymanner is important in boosting intra-regional trade. They appreciatedtheestablishmentoftheSAARCStandardsCoordinationBoardthatwouldfunctionasaprecursortotheSAARCRegionalStandardsBody.

17.The Heads of State or Government complimented the SAARC FinanceMinistersforfinalisingtheframeworkofcooperationonfinancial issuesin the region. They expressed satisfaction at the work of the Inter-GovernmentalExpertGrouponFinancialIssues.

18.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentemphasizedtheneedtodevelop,atanearlydate,aroadmapforaSouthAsianCustomsUnionandaSouthAsianEconomicUnioninaplannedandphasedmanner.

19.The Heads of State or Government noted the cultural and social tiesamong theSAARCcountries,basedoncommonhistoryandgeography,andreiteratedthatthefutureofpeoplesofSouthAsiaisinterlinked.Theystressedtheimportanceofpeople-to-peoplecontactasakeyconstituentin regional connectivity. They acknowledged the importance of intra-regionaltourismandincreasedexchanges,particularlyamongtheyouth,civilsociety,andparliamentarians.TheylaunchedtheSAARCAgendaforCulture and directed that annual SAARC Festivals for cultural exchangebeinstitutionalized.TheyagreedtotakemeasurestochargenationalsofSAARCMemberStatesfeesforentryintoarcheologicalandheritagesitesasapplicabletotheirownnationals.TheyalsodirectedthatanenlargedSAARCScholarshipScheme in ICTand relatedareasbe instituted.TheywelcomedtheofferofBangladeshtohosttheFirstSAARCYouthCampin2007.

20.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentdecidedtoestablishtheSouthAsianUniversityinIndia.TheywelcomedthesigningoftheIntergovernmentalAgreement establishing the University. They further directed that the

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IntergovernmentalSteeringCommitteebesetupattheearliesttocompleteitstasksrelatingtotheCharter,byelaws,rulesandregulations,curriculumdevelopment, business plans and other issues. They also decided tostrengthen cooperation and dialogue on educational matters throughdevelopment of exchanges between academics, experts, policymakers,students and teachers. They called for inter-institutional cooperation,partnerships,andotherregionalinitiativesinthefieldofeducation.

21.The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that women’s fullparticipation in all spheres of society, including participation in thedecision-makingprocessarefundamentalfortheachievementofequalityanddevelopment.Theynotedthatmanysectionsofwomenandchildrencontinue tobe indisadvantagedpositionsand lackequalopportunitiesfor economic and social development. They emphasized that women’sempowerment should be a major objective of regional cooperation.Regional projects should focus on addressing issues relating towomenandchildren.

22.The Heads of State or Government stressed the need to collectivelyovercome the challenges of poverty, disease, natural disasters andterrorism.TheyconfirmedthatcountriesofSouthAsiamustworktogetherto dealwith these challenges in order to secure the region’s collectiveprosperity.

23.The Heads of State or Government acknowledged that countries ofSouthAsiafacechallengesoffood insecurityandmalnutrition. Inordertomanageemergenciescausedbynaturalandmanmadecalamitiesandfood shortages, they welcomed the signing of the IntergovernmentalAgreementestablishingtheSAARCFoodBankwiththeparticipationofalltheSAARCcountries.TheFoodBankwillsupplementnationaleffortstoprovidefoodsecuritytothepeopleoftheregion.

24.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthechallengesconfrontedbythecountriesofSouthAsia inensuring foodandnutritional securityaswellasinmaintainingvibrantruraleconomyforagriculturaldevelopment.Theyunderscoredtheneedforenhancingproductivityandrealwageinruralsectors,andforcreatingadequatenon-farmemploymenttosustainthe progressmade in reducing poverty. Noting the constant decline inland availability and biodiversity, depleting soil and natural resources,loweringgroundwaterlevels,shrinkingfarmholdingsaswellaslowandstagnatingproductivity, they recognized the imperativeof reducing the



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widegapbetweenyieldsattheresearchandthefarmlevel.Theystressed,inparticular,thatSouthAsianagriculturemustbenefitfromcollaborativeefforts within and among SAARC countries in developing an effectiveagriculture research, extension and farmers’ linkages, and exchange offarmtechnology.

25.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderlinedthatterrorismisathreattopeaceandsecurityintheregion.Theycondemnedthetargetedkillingof civilians and terrorist violence, in all its forms and manifestations,wherever and againstwhomsoever committed. TheHeads of States orGovernmentaffirmedthatterrorismviolatestheprinciplesoftheChartersof theUnitedNations and SAARC and is a clear and present threat tointernational peace and security. They reaffirmed their commitment toimplementallinternationalconventionsrelatingtocombatingterrorism,towhichSAARCMemberStateswererespectivelyparties,aswellastheSAARCRegionalConventiononSuppressionofTerrorismandtheAdditionalProtocoltotheSAARCRegionalConventiondealingwiththepreventionandsuppressionoffinancingofterrorism.Whileurgingcontinuedeffortsto combat terrorism, the Heads of State or Government also called forurgent conclusion of a Comprehensive Convention on InternationalTerrorism.

26.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentagreedtoworkonthemodalitiestoimplementtheprovisionsoftheexistingSAARCConventionstocombatterrorism, narcotics and psychotropic substances, trafficking in womenand children and other trans-national crimes. They expressed theircommitment to take every possible measure to prevent and suppress,in particular, financing of terrorist acts by criminalizing the provision,acquisitionandcollectionoffundsforsuchacts,includingthroughfrontorganizations and also to counter illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs,trafficking in persons and illicit arms. They reiterated the need for lawenforcement authorities of Member States to enhance cooperation inthe prevention, suppression and prosecution of offences under theseInstruments.TheynotedtheinitiativeofIndiatoprepareadraftofSAARCConventiononMutualAssistanceinCriminalMattersandwelcomedtheofferofSriLankatoholdameetingofLegalAdviserstoexaminetheideaofadraftconvention,beforetheSecondMeetingofSAARCInterior/HomeMinistersscheduledtobeheldinOctober2007inIndia.Theyalsodirectedthem to ensure regular follow-up and implementationof the decisionstaken.

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27.The Heads of State or Government recognised that corruptionwas anissueofseriousconcernandagreedtoexchangeinformationonnationalexperienceincombatingcorruptiontoeffectivelyaddressthisproblem.

28.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttoarule-basedmultilateraltradingsystem.TheyrecalledthattheDohaRoundwaspremisedonthecentralityofdevelopment.TheydirectedtheCommerceMinisters to work closely to co-ordinate their positions to ensure thatthecentralityofthedevelopmentdimensioninallareasofnegotiationsfor creating new opportunities and economic growth for developingcountries was fully realized. They called upon all members of WTO toshowcommitmentforasuccessfulconclusionoftheDohaRound.

29.The Heads of State or Government welcomed the People’s Republic ofChina, Japan,EuropeanUnion,RepublicofKoreaandtheUnitedStatesof America, to be associated as Observers to SAARC. The region wouldbenefit from these external linkages and help its economic integrationwiththeinternationalcommunity.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentalsowelcomed the Islamic Republic of Iran to be associated as Observer toSAARC.

30.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedwithappreciationtheofferoftheMaldivestohostthe15thSummitMeetingoftheHeadsofStatesorGovernmentsoftheSouthAsianAssociationfortheRegionalCooperation(SAARC).



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COLOMBO DECLARATION “Partnership for Growth for Our People”

The Declaration of the Fifteenth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 3rd August, 2008.

INTRODUCTION

1. The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His ExcellencyMr.HamidKarzai; theChiefAdviserof theGovernmentof thePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HisExcellencyDr.FakhruddinAhmed;thePrimeMinister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Excellency Lyonchhen JigmiY. Thinley; the PrimeMinister of the Republic of India, His ExcellencyDr. Manmohan Singh; the President of the Republic of Maldives, HisExcellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom; the Prime Minister of theFederal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Rt. Hon’ble Girija PrasadKoirala; the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, HisExcellencySyedYousufRazaGilani;andthePresidentoftheDemocraticSocialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa,met at the Fifteenth Summit meeting of the South Asian Associationfor Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka onAugust2-3,2008.


2. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentreaffirmedtheircommitmenttotheprinciplesandobjectivesenshrinedintheSAARCCharter.Theyrenewedtheirresolveforcollectiveregionaleffortstoaccelerateeconomicgrowth,social progress and cultural development which would promote thewelfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life,therebycontributingtopeace,stability,amityandprogressintheregion.

3. The Heads of State or Government recognized that SAARC has beenmakingsteadyandincrementalprogressovertheyears,inparticularsincethe last Summit held in New Delhi in April 2007, towards realizing theobjectivesof theCharter. Theyaccordinglyemphasized the importanceofmaintainingthemomentum,throughclearlinksofcontinuitybetween

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theworkalreadyunderwayandfutureactivities.TheHeadsofStateorGovernment recognized the need for SAARC to further strengthen itsfocusondevelopingandimplementingregionalandsub-regionalprojectsintheagreedareasonaprioritybasis.EachMemberStatemayconsidertakingupat leastoneregional/ sub-regionalSAARCprojectas the leadcountry.

4. The Leaders noted with satisfaction the considerable progress madein various domains of partnership among SAARC Member States andemphasizedtheneedtoconsolidateandensureeffectiveimplementationofallSAARCprogramsandmechanismsbyrationalizationandperformanceevaluationonaregularbasis.APartnershipforGrowthforthePeoplesofSouthAsia.

5. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwereconvinced that theprocessofregional cooperation must be truly people-centered, so that SAARCcontinues to strengthen in keeping with expectations as a robustpartnership for growth for the peoples of South Asia. They accordinglydirected all SAARC mechanisms to abide by the Charter objective ofpromotingthewelfareofthepeopleandimprovingtheirqualityof life.InthisregardtheydirectedtheCouncilofMinisterstoensurethatSAARCmechanisms identify furtherareasofcooperationwherepeople-centricpartnershipprojectscouldbeinitiated.

6. The Heads of State or Government observed that an effective andeconomicalregionaltele-communicationregimeisanessentialfactorofconnectivity,encouragingthegrowthofpeople-centricpartnerships.TheystressedtheneedfortheMemberStatestoendeavourtomovetowardsauniformlyapplicablelowtariff,forinternationaldirectdialcallswithintheregion.

CONNECTIVITY

7. The Heads of State or Government recognized the importance ofconnectivity for realizing the objectives of SAARC. They accordinglydirectedtheSAARCmechanismstocontinuetoembodyintheirprogramsandprojectsastrongfocusonbetterconnectivitynotonlywithinSouthAsia,butalsobetweentheregionandtherestoftheworld.Theyfurtherstressedthenecessityoffast-trackingprojectsforimprovingintra-regionalconnectivity and facilitating economic, social and people-to-peoplecontacts.

ENERGY

8. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedthatincreasedaccesstoenergyiscriticalforfulfillingthelegitimateexpectationsofgrowthanddevelopment



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inSouthAsia.Theyobservedinthisregardthattheescalationofoilpricesthreatensboththeenergysecurityoftheregion,aswellastheeconomicgrowthwitnessedinSouthAsia.Inthiscontext,theyrecognizedtheneedtoexpeditiouslydevelopandconservetheconventionalsourcesofenergyandtobuilduprenewablealternativeenergyresourcesincludingindigenoushydropower,solar,windandbio,whileintroducingenergyreforms,energyefficiencyandthetradeandsharingoftechnologyandexpertise.Theyalsonotedthatthereistremendouspotentialfordevelopingregionalandsub-regionalenergyresourcesinanintegratedmannerandnotedtheeffortsbeingmadetostrengthenregionalcooperationincapacitydevelopment,technologytransferandthetradeinenergy.Whileexpressingsatisfactionattheprogressovertherecentyearstostrengthenenergycooperation,theLeadersdirectedthattherecommendationsoftheEnergyDialoguebeimplementedthroughanappropriateworkplan.

9. TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentstressedtheurgentneedtodeveloptheregionalhydropotential,gridconnectivityandgaspipelines.Theynotedthatthepossibilityofevolvinganappropriateregionalinter-governmentalframework may be explored to facilitate such an endeavour. TheywelcomedSri Lanka’soffer tohost theThirdMeetingof SAARCEnergyMinistersinColomboin2009.

ENVIRONMENT

10.Being increasingly aware of global warming, climate change andenvironmental challenges facing the region, which mainly includesea-level rise, deforestation, soil erosion, siltation, droughts, storms,cyclones, floods, glaciermelt and resultant glacial lake outburst floodsand urban pollution, theHeads of State or Government reiterated theneedtointensifycooperationwithinanexpandedregionalenvironmentalprotection framework, todeal inparticularwith climate change issues.TheywereoftheviewthatSAARCshouldcontributetorestoringharmonywith nature, drawing on the ancient South Asian cultural values andtraditionsofenvironmentalresponsibilityandsustainability.

11.TheLeadersexpressedsatisfactionattheadoptionofSAARCActionPlanand Dhaka Declaration on Climate Change by the SAARC EnvironmentMinisters at the SAARCMinisterialMeeting on Climate Change held atDhaka on 3 July 2008. In this context they stressed the need for closecooperation for capacity building, development of CDM projects andpromotion of programs for advocacy and mass awareness raising onclimate change. They also expressed satisfaction at the adoption of aSAARCDeclarationonClimateChangefortheUnitedNationsFramework

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ConventiononClimateChange(UNFCCC)bytheTwenty-ninthSessionoftheCouncilofMinisters.

12.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpresseddeepconcernoverglobalclimatechangeanditsimpactonthelivesandlivelihoodsintheregion.Theyalsonotedtheurgencyoftheimmediateneedfordealingwiththeonslaughtofclimatechangeincludingsealevelrise,onmeetingfood,waterandenergyneeds,andtakingmeasurestoensurethelivelihoodsecurityof thepeoples in theSAARCregion.They resolved towork together topreventandaddressthethreatstothelivelihoodsofthepeoplesandtoprovideaccesstoremedieswhentheserightsareviolatedandalsotofindanequitabledistributionofresponsibilitiesandrightsamongtheMemberStates.Theyalsoemphasisedtheneedforassessingandmanagingitsrisksandimpacts.Inthisregard,theycalledforanin-depthstudyon“ClimateJustice: TheHumanDimension of Climate Change,” to comeupwith arights-based approach that would highlight the human impact whenrespondingtotheimpactsofclimatechange.

13.The Heads of State or Government affirmed that every citizen of thisplanetmusthaveanequalshareoftheplanetaryatmosphericspace.Inthis context, theyendorsed theconvergenceofpercapitaemissionsofdeveloping and developed countries on an equitable basis for tacklingclimate change. They were of the view that any effort at addressingclimate change should take into account historical responsibility, percapitaemissionsandrespectivecountrycapabilities.

14.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedconcernatthehumanlosssuffered through natural disasters in the region and stressed the needfor the timely provision of relief in humanitarian emergencies. In thisregardtheydirectedthataNaturalDisasterRapidResponseMechanismbecreatedtoadoptacoordinatedandplannedapproachtomeetsuchemergenciesundertheaegisoftheSAARCDisasterManagementCentre.

WATER RESOURCES

15.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressingtheirdeepconcernatthelooming global water crisis, recognized that South Asia must be at theforefrontofbringinganewfocustotheconservationofwaterresources.Forthispurposetheydirectedinitiationofprocessesofcapacitybuildingand the encouragement of research, combining conservation practicessuchas rainwaterharvestingand riverbasinmanagement, inorder toensuresustainabilityofwaterresourcesinSouthAsia.



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POVERTY ALLEVIATION

16.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwhileacknowledging thesignificantsteps taken to alleviate poverty in the region, resolved to continue tocombatpovertythroughallavailablemeans,includingespeciallythroughpeople’s empowerment. They committed themselves to continuing toshareeachother’sexperiencesandsuccessstoriesofpro-poorpovertyreduction strategies such as micro-credit systems, community-driveninitiativesandtheraisingoftheconsciousnessofthepoorontheirrighttoresourcesanddevelopment.

17.In this respect, they emphasized on undertaking sustained efforts,includingdevelopingandimplementingregionalandsub-regionalprojectstowardstheattainmentofSAARCDevelopmentGoals(SDGs).Theynotedthedecisionby theMinistersonPovertyAlleviation toobtainan inter-governmental mid-term review of the attainment of the SDGs to becompletedby2009.

18.TheLeaderswelcomedtheofferofNepaltohostnextMinisterialMeetingonPovertyAlleviation.

SAARC DEVELOPMENT FUND (SDF)

19.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionatthesigningoftheCharteroftheSAARCDevelopmentFund(SDF),andfinalizationofitsBye-laws,andcalledforanearlyratificationoftheSDFCharter.TheyalsowelcomedearlyoperationalizationoftheFundfromtheavailablefunds.They expressed satisfaction at the launching and identification of theprojectsonwomenempowerment,maternal&childhealthandteachers’trainingunderthesocialwindowoftheSDF,asdirectedbytheFinanceMinisters. They reiterated their commitment toexpedite theirfinancialcontributionstotheFund.Inthisregard,theHeadsofStateorGovernmentacceptedwithappreciationtheofferoftheKingdomofBhutantohosttheSAARCDevelopmentFundSecretariatinThimpu.

TRANSPORT

20.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactionattheprogressthroughtheMeetingsoftheMinistersofTransport.Theyreiteratedthecritical importance of an efficientmulti-modal transport system in theregion for integrationand for sustaining the region’seconomicgrowthandcompetitiveness.Theyurgedearlyimplementationinagradualandphased manner of the proposals of the SAARC Regional MultimodalTransportStudy(SRMTS).

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21.Theynoted theprogressmade in the considerationof thedraftMotorVehicle Agreement (MVA) by Member States. They also noted thattechnicalinputsrelatedtoRegionalTransportandTransitAgreementandRegional Multilateral Railway Agreement were being examined by theMemberStates.Inthiscontext,theydirectedthenextTransportMinistersMeeting to expeditework in this regard. They appreciated theofferofSriLankatoholdtheSecondMeetingofSAARCMinistersofTransportinColomboin2008.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) DEVELOPMENT

22.The Heads of State or Government urged the need for even moreexpeditious and close regional cooperation in information andcommunication technology. They welcomed the enhanced digitalconnectivityamongtheMemberStatesandtheongoingworktoupgradethe regional telecommunication infrastructure. They directed that thearrangements needed to implement the proposed collaborative tele-projectssuchasthoseforhealthcareandeducation,beexpedited.


23.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentacknowledgedtheongoingcontributionofScience&Technologyincludingcuttingedgetechnologyininformationandbio-technologyinimprovingthequalityoflifeofthepeoplesofSouthAsia. They noted the offer of India to host theMinisterialMeeting onScience&TechnologyonSeptember15-16,2008 fordevelopmentofaroadmaponidentifyingimplementablefocusedregionalandsub-regionalprojectsinSAARC.

TOURISM

24.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderscoredthevitalcontributionthattourismcouldaffordtotheeconomicdevelopmentoftheSAARCregion.Theyagreedtomakeeveryefforttoimplementthecomprehensiveactionplan adopted by the SecondMinisterial Meeting held at Cox’s Bazaar,Bangladesh. These efforts would include facilitating the movement ofpeople through improved travel infrastructure and air, sea and landconnectivityamongtheSAARCcountries,collaborationinhumanresourcedevelopment and the promotion of SAARC as a common destinationthroughpublic-privatepartnershipsandjointcampaigns.



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CULTURE

25.The Heads of State or Government emphasized the role of culturalconnectivityinbringingthepeoplesofSouthAsiacloser,whilereinforcingand projecting a distinct South Asian identity. They directed that theAgendaforCulturebeimplementedinfull.

SAFTA AND TRADE FACILITATION

26.The Heads of State or Government emphasized their commitment toimplement SAFTA in letter and in spirit, thereby enabling SAARC tocontribute as well to the dynamic process of Asia’s emergence as thepowerhouseoftheworld.Recognizingtheneedtocontinuetoaddressthemajorbarriershinderingeffective trade liberalization in the region,which include sensitive lists of items and Non-Trade Barriers (NTBs),theydirectedthatthedecisiontorevisethesensitivelistsbytheSAFTAMinisterialCouncil(SMC)beimplementedearly.Theyalsorecommendedthatwhile revising theSensitiveLists, special considerationbegiven totheLDCs.TheLeadersdirectedthatSAFTACommitteeofExperts(SCoE)toexpeditiouslyresolvetheissueofNonTariffMeasures(NTMs)andParaTariffMeasures(PTMs)inordertofacilitateandenhancethetradeunderSAFTA.

27.The Heads of State or Government underlined the need for takingconcretemeasures to improve trade facilitation in termsof themutualrecognitionofstandards,theadoptionofcommontariffnomenclatures,the harmonization of customs procedures. They directed the relevantSAARCbodiestoexpeditetheirworkintheseareas.Theyalsorecognizedtheimportanceofdevelopmentofcommunicationsystemandtransportinfrastructureandtransitfacilitiesspeciallyforthelandlockedcountriestopromoteintra-SAARCtrade.

28.The Heads of State or Government observed that the SAARC legalinstruments on trade liberalization and the measures and initiativesfor trade facilitation are increasingly affording significant openings formutuallybeneficialtrade,investmentsandeconomiccooperationwithinSouth Asia. These openings are complemented by the uniformly soundlevelsofnationaleconomicgrowthbeingattainedbytheMemberStatesofSAARC.TheLeadersaccordingly noted thegrowingandurgentneedforenhancingcapacitywithinSAARCdedicatedtoencouragingnationaland regional strategies thatwould furthermaximize thepositive trade,investmentsandeconomiccooperationclimateinSouthAsia.InthisregardtheywelcomedtheofferofSriLankatoprepareaConceptPaperandaWorkingPaperonthesubjectanddirectedthatthePaperbediscussedat

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aSessionoftheStandingCommitteespeciallyconvenedforthispurpose,toenabletheadoptionofappropriatefollow-upmeasures.

29.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesigningofthetextoftheAgreementontheEstablishmentoftheSouthAsianRegionalStandardsOrganization.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedthesigningoftheProtocolonAfghanistanforAccessiontoSAFTA.

TRADE IN SERVICES

30.The Heads of State or Government expressed satisfaction at theconclusionoftheStudyonTradeinServicesandwelcomedthedecisionofSAFTAMinisterialCounciltocommencenegotiationontheFrameworkAgreement on Trade in Services. Towards achieving further economicintegration, they directed that the Draft Agreement on InvestmentPromotion andProtectionbefinalized early and the SAARCArbitrationCouncilbeoperationalized.

SAARC SOCIAL CHARTER

31.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentunderscoredtheimperativetomakesteadyprogress inthe implementationoftheSAARCSocialCharteranddirectedtheMemberStatestocompletetheNationalPlansofActionwithaperspectiveofseekingtotransformcurrentchallengesintoopportunities.They further directed the National Coordination Committees (NCCs)to recommend activities in conformity with the Social Charter and tointroduceanefficientandeffectivemonitoringandevaluationmechanismforreviewingtheprogressintheimplementationoftheSocialCharter.TheLeadersemphasizedtheneedtoimplementtheselectedregionalandsubregionalprogramsandprojectstocomplementnationalimplementationefforts. They urged that such activities be suitably accommodated inthe SAARC Calendar. They called for people’s participation in strategyinitiatives,planningandimplementationtoensurepeople’sresponsibilityandownership.TheLeadersdirectedtodevelopapolicyontheprotectionofrightsoftheseniorcitizensfortheirgeriatriccaretakingintoaccountexistingnationalpoliciesoftheMemberStates.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

32.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentnotedwithsatisfactiontheincreasedcooperation in the region towards achieving the all important goal ofbringingwomenfullyintothemainstreamofdevelopment,onthebasisofgenderequality.Theycalledforfocusedattentiononwomen’seconomic



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empowermentandskillsdevelopment,whileaddressingkeyhealthissuesandviolenceagainstwomen.TheLeadersdirectedtoworkforaregionalcooperationfortheeliminationofallformsofdiscriminationandabuseagainstwomeningeneralandwidowsinparticularandguaranteetheirrightstoliveinthesocietyinadignifiedmanner.

EDUCATION

33.TheHeads of State or Governmentwelcomed the substantial progressmadeintheestablishmentoftheSouthAsianUniversityinNewDelhianddirectedthattheUniversityshouldbeginitsSessionfrom2010.Theyalsodirectedthatincreasedinteractionbetweenstudentsshouldbeencouragedthrough institutionalizationof students, academics, teachers and youthexchangeprograms.TheyfurtherdirectedearlyinstitutionalizationofanelaborateSAARCScholarshipSchemeinICTandrelatedareas.

COMBATING TERRORISM

34.The Heads of State or Government strongly condemned all forms ofterrorist violence and expressed deep concern over the serious threatposedbyterrorismtothepeace,stabilityandsecurityoftheregion.

35.Theyfurtherrecognizedthegrowinglinkagesbetweenthephenomenonof terrorism, illegal trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances,illegal traffickingofpersons andfirearmsandunderscored theneed toaddress theproblem in a comprehensive manner. They reiterated theircommitmenttostrengthenthelegalregimeagainstterrorism, includingby undertaking to implement all international conventions relating tocombating terrorism to which Member States are parties, as well asthe SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and theAdditionalProtocoltotheSAARCRegionalConventionontheSuppressionof Terrorism. The Head of States or Government while recalling UnitedNations Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) emphasized theimportance of criminalizing any act for the provision, collection andacquisitionoffundsforthepurposeofcommittingterroristacts.

36.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentrecognizedinthisregardthevalueoftheproposedUNComprehensiveConventiononInternationalTerrorism.TheynotedtheprogressmadeduringrecentroundsofnegotiationsandcalledforanearlyconclusionoftheConvention.

37.Theyemphasizedtheneedforstrongestpossiblecooperationinthefightagainstterrorismandtransnationalorganizedcrimeamongsttherelevantagencies of the Member States especially in the area of information

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exchange. The Heads of State or Government further emphasized theimportance of completing all legislative and other relevant measuresto implement within Member States, the provisions of the RegionalConventiononNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstances.TheLeadersnoted the considerable work done to promote cooperation in Policematters.TheyappreciatedtheofferofPakistantohosttheThirdMeetingofSAARCMinistersofInterior/HomeinIslamabadduring2008.

38.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentexpressedsatisfactiononthefinalizationof the text of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance inCriminalMattersattheFifteenthSummitanditssigning.Theyexpressedappreciation at the accommodatingmanner in which the negotiationswereconductedbytheMemberStatestoprovideeachotherthewidestmeasures ofmutual assistance in criminalmatters to ensure a greatersense of security within the region, the Heads of State or GovernmenturgedforearlyratificationandimplementationoftheConvention.

JOINT POSITIONS

39.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentresolvedtoencourageconsultationsamong delegations of SAARC Member States at the appropriateinternationalforumsandagreedtocooperateaccordingly.

OBSERVERS

40.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedtheObserversnamelythePeople’sRepublicofChina,theIslamicRepublicofIran,Japan,theRepublicofKorea,Mauritius,theUnitedStatesofAmericaandtheEuropeanUnionandappreciatedtheirparticipationintheSummit.TheyalsowelcomedAustralia and Myanmar to be associated as Observers to SAARC. Theyapproved the guidelines for cooperation with Observers and lookedforwardtoworkingwiththeminthecommonpursuitofthepartnershipforgrowthforourpeople.

SIXTEENTH SUMMIT

41.TheHeadsofStateorGovernmentwelcomedwithappreciationtheofferoftheMaldivestohosttheSixteenthSummitMeetingoftheHeadsofStateorGovernmentoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC).



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THIMPU SILVER JUBILEE DECLARATION“Towards a Green and Happy South Asia”

The Declaration of the Sixteenth SAARC Summit of the Heads of State or Government of the Member Countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation issued on 29th April, 2010.

1. ThePresidentof the IslamicRepublicofAfghanistan,HisExcellencyMr.HamidKarzai;thePrimeMinisterofthePeople’sRepublicofBangladesh,HerExcellencySheikhHasina;thePrimeMinisteroftheKingdomofBhutan,HisExcellencyLyonchhenJigmiYoeserThinley;thePrimeMinisteroftheRepublicofIndia,HisExcellencyDr.ManmohanSingh;thePresidentoftheRepublicofMaldives,HisExcellencyMr.MohamedNasheed;thePrimeMinister of Nepal, His ExcellencyMr.Madhav KumarNepal; the PrimeMinister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Syed YusufRazaGilani;andthePresidentoftheDemocraticSocialistRepublicofSriLanka,HisExcellencyMr.MahindaRajapaksa,metinThimpu,Bhutan,on28-29April2010fortheSixteenthSummitoftheSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC).

2. The Leaders expressed satisfaction that SAARChad achievedanumberof importantmilestoneswiththecompletionof twentyfiveyearsof itsestablishment. The Leaders underscored the relevance and importanceof the Association in providing a platform for regional cooperation toaccomplishtheCharterobjectives.

3. InthisSilverJubileeYearofSAARC,theLeadersemphasizedtheneedtodevelopa‘VisionStatement’.Theyagreedtoforma‘SouthAsiaForum’for the generation of debate, discussion and the exchange of ideas onSouthAsiaanditsfuturedevelopment.TheForumwillconsistofeminentpersonalities of diverse background including from all SAARCMemberStates. The Forum would provide inputs, based on a comprehensiveunderstanding,forchartingoutthefuturecourseofSAARCinthemediumandlongrunandrecommend, ifrequired,thenecessaryimprovementsrequired in the existing mechanisms. Such a forum could function onpublic-private partnership lines, and allow for multiple inputs beyondgovernmentsintotheconsiderationofthefutureofSAARC.

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4. Inordertocommemoratethe25thanniversary,theLeaderslaidemphasisoneffectivecommunicationsandpublicdiplomacy.TheydrewattentioninthisregardtotheneedtoreachouttodifferentsectionsoftheSouthAsian community, particularly its students and youth, private media,private sector, think tanks, civil society, and institutions of economicdevelopment.

5. The Leaders agreed that the scope and substance of cooperation hadexpandedtodiversefields,providingafirmbasisforgenuinepartnership.However, a number of these had not translated into meaningful andtangible benefits to the people. They, therefore, highlighted the needfor more efficient, focused, time-bound and people-centric activitiesandcalledforappropriatereflectionofall theSAARCdecisions intothenationalpoliciesandprogrammesofMemberStates.TheyresolvedthattheSilverJubileeYearshouldbecommemoratedbymakingSAARCtrulyactionorientedbyfulfillingcommitments,implementingdeclarationsanddecisionsandoperationalizinginstrumentsandlivinguptothehopesandaspirationsofone-fifthofhumanity.

6. TheLeaders,whileappreciatingthatalltheMemberStateshadevolvedintomulti-partydemocracies,underlinedthechallengesfacedbytheminensuringeffective, efficient, transparent andaccountable governments.In this regard, they emphasized the need for regional cooperation tostrengthen good governance through sharing of experiences, best-practicesandestablishinginstitutionallinkages.TheynotedtheproposalbyBangladesh to convenean Inter-governmentalMeeting inDhakaontheideaofaSAARCCharterofDemocracyonwhichBangladeshofferedtocirculateaConceptPaper.

7. The Leaders recognised the need to draw on the democratic andparticipatory tradition collectively represented by the Parliamentariansof South Asia for the progress of SAARC. In this context, the Leadersrecommendedtheconveningofa“ConclaveofSAARCParliamentarians”in line with the SAARC Charter and directed the SAARC Secretariat toconveneaWorkingGroup,comprisingnomineesoftheMemberStates,toworkoutthemodalitiesforestablishmentofsuchaConclave.

8. The Leaders emphasized on a greater focus to pursue people-centricdevelopmentwithdueemphasisonsocio-culturalprogressandupholdingtraditions and values and in that regard, noted the concept of GrossNational Happiness (GNH) pursued by Bhutan, inter alia, in ensuringpeople-centricdevelopment,culture,preservationofenvironment,better



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governance.TheyfurthernotedthatotherMemberStatesmightconsiderBhutan’s experiencewith the concept andwelcomed Bhutan’s offer tohostaSAARCWorkshoponGNHin2010.

9. The Leaders emphasized on deepening regional efforts on povertyalleviation, the overarching objective of SAARC. They called for theexpeditiousmainstreamingoftheSAARCDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)inthenationalprocessesandcompletionoftheMid-termReviewoftheSDGsasscheduled.TheyfurthernotedtheusefulfindingandrecommendationsmadebysuccessiveregionalstudiesthroughtheRegionalPovertyProfiles(RPPs)anddirectedtherelevantSAARCmechanismstoactonthem.Inthisregard,theywelcomedtheofferoftheGovernmentofNepaltohosttheThirdMinisterialMeetingonPovertyAlleviationin2011.

10.TheLeaderswelcomedClimateChangeasthethemefortheSummitandreaffirmed their commitment toaddress this challenge. In this context,theyadoptedtheThimpuStatementonClimateChangeanddirectedthattherecommendationscontainedthereinbeimplementedinearnest.

11.The Leaders noted that while climate change impacted every country,the SAARC Member States as developing countries were shouldering amajorburden,inspiteofhavingcontributedleasttotheproblem.Theyemphasizedthatglobalnegotiationsonclimatechangeshouldbeguidedbytheprinciplesofequity,andcommonbutdifferentiatedresponsibilitiesandrespectivecapabilitiesasenshrinedintheUNFrameworkConventiononClimateChange,andshouldbeconductedinanopen,transparentandinclusivemanner.

12.TheLeaders,underscoredtheneedto initiate theprocess to formulateacommonSAARCpositionforCOP16andthereafter,includingonissuessuch as separate financing for adaptation and mitigation as well astechnologytransfer.Inthisregard,theywelcomedtheofferofBhutantohostanInter-governmentalExpertGroupmeeting.

13.TheLeaderswelcomedtheGovernmentofNepal’s initiativetoorganizeaMinisterialMeetingofMountainousCountriesinKathmandulaterthisyear.

14.InpursuanceoftherecommendationcontainedintheSAARCMinisterialStatementonEnvironmentonconservationofaquaticecosystem,trans-boundary bio-diversity zones, automated network of weather stationsandregularandsystematicsharingofscientificdata,theLeaderscalledfor focusonwatermanagementandconservationanddevelopmentof

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cooperativeprojectsatregionallevelintermsofexchangeofbestpracticesandknowledge,capacitybuildingandtransferofeco-friendlytechnology.

15.The Leaders, deeply concerned by the extent of environmentaldegradation in the region, reiterated the importance of sustainablymanagingenvironmentanddevelopmentthroughadoptionofeco-friendlyapproachesandtechnologiesandthatSouthAsiashouldbecomeaworldleaderinlow-carbontechnologyandrenewableenergies.TheywelcomedthesigningoftheSAARCConventiononCooperationonEnvironmentandcalledforitsearlyratificationandimplementation.

16.The Leaders, concerned by the increasing frequency and intensity ofnaturaldisasters,calledforeffectiveregionalprogrammesinearlywarning,preparedness and management including response and rehabilitationwhile remaining within their respective national laws and procedures.Theycalled for furthernegotiationsandearlyfinalizationof theSAARCAgreementonRapidResponsetoNaturalDisasters.

17.TheLeadersnotedwithsatisfactiontheongoinginitiativesinpromotinggender equality and women’s empowerment through regionalcooperation.Inthisregard,theLeaderswelcomedtheannouncementbytheGovernmentofMaldivestonominateaWomanSecretaryGeneralastheTenthSecretaryGeneralofSAARC.

18.The Leaders appreciated the comprehensive directives of the ColomboStatementonChildrenofSouthAsia,speciallyhighlightingtheimportanceof the in-depth assessment of the SAARC Decade of the Rights of theChild (2001-2010) and its follow up. Recognizing the important roleyoungpeopleplay intheregion,theLeadersdirectedthedevelopmentofaSAARCYouthActionPlan, in linewith theSAARCYouthCharter, toguideregionalcooperationinthisarea.Toachievethisend,theLeadersdirected to organize SAARC Youth Summit, involving policy makers andyouthleadersfromallMemberStates.

19.The Leaders underlined the important role of the SAARC DevelopmentFund (SDF) for financing regional and sub-regional programmes andprojects.TheywelcomedtheratificationoftheSDFCharter.TheLeadersalsowelcomedtheinaugurationandoperationalizationofthePermanentSecretariatoftheSDFincludingtheappointmentofitsfirstChiefExecutiveOfficer (CEO).TheLeadersalsourged the importanceofprojectsbeingfunded through SDF are demand-driven, time-bound and aligned withthedevelopmentalprioritiesoftheregion.TheLeadersalsoemphasizedtheneedfortheMemberStatestotakefulladvantageofthemechanism



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of the SDF through expeditious clearance and implementation of theprojects and programmes to promote the welfare of the people of theSAARCregion,toimprovetheirqualityoflifeandtoaccelerateeconomicgrowth,socialprogressandpovertyalleviationintheregion.

20.The Leaders reiterated their commitment to implement SAFTA in letterandspirit.Theyemphasizedtheneedtorealizethefullpotential,throughreductionofthesizeofthesensitivelists,accelerationoftradefacilitationmeasures,andremovalofnon-tariff,para-tariffandotherbarriers.TheydirectedtheSAFTAMinisterialCounciltoworkinearnestintheseareasinatime-boundmanner.

21.The Leaders welcomed the signing of the SAARC Agreement on Tradein Services and expressed that this will open up new vistas of tradecooperationandfurtherdeepentheintegrationoftheregionaleconomies.TheycalledfortheearlyratificationoftheAgreement.TheLeadersalsocalledfortheearlyconclusionofnegotiationsonthespecificscheduleofcommitmentsundertheAgreement.

22.TheLeadersemphasizedtheneedtostrengthentheroleofprivatesectorinregionalinitiativesthroughappropriatemechanismsincludingthroughPublic-Private Partnership as well as the need for greater intra-SAARCinvestmentpromotionefforts.

23.TheLeadersunderlinedtheneedfortakingconcretemeasurestoimprovetrade facilitation. TheydirectedtherelevantSAARCbodies toexpeditetheir work in these areas. They also recognized the importance ofdevelopmentofcommunicationsystemandtransportinfrastructureandtransit facilities specially for the landlockedcountries topromote intra-SAARCtrade.

24.The Leaders noted with appreciation that SAARC CommerceMinistershadcoordinatedSAARCpositiononWTOIssuesandDohaDevelopmentAgendaduringtheSeventhWTOMinisterialConferenceandagreedontheSAARCMinisterialCommuniqué.TheydirectedtheCommerceMinisterstocontinuetheprocess.

25.TheLeadersemphasizedtheneedtostrengthencooperationineducationand directed greater interaction among the universities in the regiontowardsundertakingofjointprogrammesoncollaborativeresearchandexchangeprogrammes.Theyunderscoredthe imperativeof recognitionofdegrees,andwherepossiblefacilitationofcredittransfersforopenanddistanceeducationetc.Theydirectedtheexpeditiousfinalizationofmutual

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recognitionofacademicandprofessionaldegreesasalsoharmonizationofeducationalcurriculuminSouthAsia.

26.TheLeaderstooknoteoftheReportsoftheSteeringCommitteeoftheSouthAsianUniversity,andappreciatedtheprogressbeingmadetowardsestablishing the University. They also underscored the importance ofestablishing regional campuses of the South Asian University. Theyappreciatedtheannouncementof theCEOof theSAUprojectofficetoinitialize the first academic session of the University with effect fromAugust2010.FurthertheyaskedtheSteeringCommitteetoworktowardsfinalizingthemodalitiesoftheUniversity.

27.TheLeaderscalledforcollaborativeeffortstoachievegreaterintra-regionalconnectivityandendorsedtherecommendationtodeclare2010-2020asthe“DecadeofIntra-regionalConnectivityinSAARC”.TheyagreedontheneedtoexpeditenegotiationswithaviewtofinalizingthetwoagreementsonMotorVehiclesandRailways.

28.TheLeaders,reiteratingthecentralityofconnectivitytofurtherdeepenandconsolidateregionalintegration,mandatedtheChairtoconveneanInter-GovernmentalMeetingtorecommendspecificmeasurestoenhancemulti-modalconnectivityincludingair,seaandsurfacetransport.

29.Acknowledgingtheenormityofthechallengesrelatedtofoodinsecurityand poverty, the Leaders directed the SAARC Agriculture Ministers tovigorously pursue regional cooperation in agriculture covering all sub-sectors to enhance overall agricultural productivity. They called forregional efforts on increased sharing of best practices, technologies,techniques, and materials. Given the importance of quality seeds inenhancingproductivity, they furtherdirectedearlyconsiderationof theconcept of a regional seed bank, regional testing and certification ofseeds,andaframeworkfortransferofplantgeneticmaterialandseeds.TheyagreedthatSouthAsianagriculturemustbenefitfromcollaborativeeffortsfromwithinandamongSAARCcountriesbyundertakingspecificinitiativesandprojects.

30.TheLeadersunderscoredtheneedforpromotionoftourismtoenhancegreater people-to-people contacts in the region and called for thecreation of tourism-friendly environment. They welcomed the offer oftheGovernmentofNepaltohosttheThirdSAARCMinisterialMeetingonTourism inKathmandu in2011whichcoincideswith theNepalTourismYear2011.



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31.TheLeadersrecognizedtheneedtoenhancecooperationintheenergysector to facilitate energy trade, development of efficient conventionalandrenewableenergysourcesincludinghydropower. Theyemphasizedthe need to undertake studies to develop regional energy projects,promoteregionalpowertrade,efficiency,conservationanddevelopmentoflabelingandstandardizationofappliances,andsharingofknowledgeandtechnologies.

32.TheLeadersagreedthatanActionPlanonEnergyconservationwouldbepreparedbytheSAARCEnergyCentre(SEC),Islamabadwithinputsfromthe Member States and submit to the inter-governmental mechanismforconsideration.TheycalledforthecreationofawebportalonEnergyConservation forexchangeof informationand sharingofbestpracticesamongSAARCMemberStates.

33.TheLeadersnotedtheproposalfromIndiaforpreparingaRoadmapfordevelopingaSAARCMarketforElectricity(SAME)onaregionalbasis,asSAARCisconsideringelectricitytrading,supportedbyenablingmarketsintheMemberStates.

34.TheLeadersstronglycondemnedterrorisminallitsformsandmanifestationsandexpresseddeepconcernoverthethreatwhichterrorismcontinuestoposetopeace,securityandeconomicstabilityoftheSouthAsianregion.TheyreiteratedtheirfirmresolvetorootoutterrorismandrecalledtheMinisterialDeclarationonCooperationinCombatingTerrorismadoptedby theThirty-firstSessionof theCouncilofMinisters inColombo.Theyemphasized that the linkages between the terrorism, illegal traffickingin drugs and psychotropic substance, illegal trafficking of persons andfirearmsallcontinuetoremainamatterofseriousconcernandreiteratedtheircommitmenttoaddresstheseproblemsinacomprehensivemanner.TheLeaders emphasized theneed tostrengthenregional cooperationto fight terrorism and transnational organized crimes. They reaffirmedtheir commitment to implement the SAARC Regional Convention onSuppressionofTerrorismanditsAdditionalProtocolandSAARCConventiononNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstances.Theyre-emphasizedtheimportanceofcoordinatedandconcertedresponsetocombatterrorism.TheLeadersalsorecognizedinthisregardthevalueoftheproposedUNComprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and noted theprogressmadeduringtherecentroundsofnegotiationsandcalledforanearlyconclusionoftheConvention.

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35.The Leaders welcomed the hosting of the Third Meeting of SAARCHome/InteriorMinistersandrelatedMeetingsinIslamabadtoreviewtheimplementation of relevant SAARC Conventions. They underscored theimportanceof the SAARCConventiononMutualAssistance inCriminalMattersandcalledforitsratification.

36.TheLeaderswelcomedtheObserversfromAustralia,thePeople’sRepublicof China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea,Mauritius,theUnionofMyanmar,theUnitedStatesofAmericaandtheEuropeanUnionandappreciatedtheirparticipationintheSummit.Theyacknowledged thatAustraliaandMyanmarwereattending theSummitforthefirsttime.TheyappreciatedtheinterestshownbytheObserverstoworkwithSAARC.

37.TheLeaderswelcomedtheofferoftheGovernmentofMaldivestohostthe Seventeenth Summit of the Heads of State or Government of theSouthAsianAssociationforRegionalCooperation(SAARC)in2011.


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STATEMENTS AND DECLARATIONS OF SAARC - … · STATEMENTS AND DECLARATIONS OF SAARC ... We have seen external aggressions and brutal scenes ... birth as it were to a new era of enlightened