HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

SAARC’s 16 Anniversary
Making 11th SAARC Summit a grand success is Nepal’s first priority: PM

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Dec.8: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that Nepal’s first and foremost priority would be to make the forthcoming 11th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu a grand success with the cooperation and support from all member states.

Speaking at a function today to mark the 16th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Prime Minister Deuba said this Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in regional cooperation and to give impetus to the cooperation process.

Consolidate gains

"During this Summit, review will be made to consolidate the gains made thus far, concentrating on those activities in which promises for tangible and meaningful regional cooperation look distinctly feasible."

One of such areas is poverty alleviation. Prime Minister Deuba said the issue of poverty alleviation would continue to remain the priority area. "Poverty alleviation has always commanded a high level of attention of all the SAARC Summits," the Prime Minister said and added despite sincere efforts it continues to remain one of the formidable development challenges in our region. "The Summit will make a review of progress in the implementation of programmes and activities so far undertaken by the SAARC in this area," Deuba said.

Poverty alleviation

Based on that, Deuba said, efforts would be made to address the issue of poverty alleviation through a combination of social, economic as well as other policy interventions at national and regional level. He also emphasised on the role and participation of the private sector business community and non-governmental organisations.

The Prime Minister said two Conventions - Combating the Trafficking of Women and Children for Prostitution and Regional Agreements for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia - will be signed during the forthcoming Kathmandu Summit as an intensifying efforts of regional cooperation in the social sector.

Population

Social issues related to population, health, education, women and children will also be considered for discussion during the summit, Deuba said.

"Other broad areas that will also figure prominently for consideration in the summit includes the issues of globalization and its impacts on our culture and economy, competitive markets, drug trafficking and terrorism."

On the forthcoming Summit in less than three-week time, Prime Minister Deuba said, "It is, in fact, an honour for Nepal to host the SAARC Summit for the second time after 1987." The Summit will be held in Kathmandu from January 4-6.

The Prime Minister said the 11th SAARC Summit will be the first Summit in the 21st century and the resumption of the Summit will put South Asia on focus, this time for a better reason.

Looking back at one-and-a-half-decade of SAARC, Prime Minister Deuba said during that period SAARC has been able to make a distinct regional identity as a forum for the promotion of social and economic progress of the people of the region.

Common identity

The Prime Minister maintained that we could say with confidence that SAARC has contributed to promoting common identity and regional awareness while highlighting the potentials of region cooperation. Talking about the benefits of meaningful cooperation in South Asia, with its abundant natural and human resources, Prime Minister Deuba said, "We need to translate these potentials into reality with active and focussed cooperation in the days ahead."

Prime Minister stressed the need for deepening and accelerating regional economic cooperation efforts to promote regional synergy. For that, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of early conclusion of the draft of SAFTA Framework Treaty. He also maintained that the Kathmandu Summit should make renewed commitment to a tangible and substantial progress in the core areas of regional cooperation.

Welfare

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the founders of SAARC, who, he said, created the Association in their fervent desire for promoting the welfare and improving the quality of life of the people of the region.

Speaking at the function Secretary General of SAARC Nihal Rodrigo said although the 11 SAARC Summit was a little late but we can now move forward more confidently after the firm commitment of His Majesty’s Government to ensure the summit’s success with the cooperation of all member states.

Excellent relations

Secretary General Rodrigo said the Kathmandu Summit is significant for at least four reasons, which include Nepal’s excellent relations with all its South Asian neighbours and, as Prime Minister Deuba mentioned, this Summit will take on the complex and full agenda including the evaluation of the past works of the Association. The other being Prime Minister Deuba’s dynamic guidance and Nepal hosting the SAARC Secretariat since its establishment.

The last few years have also seen other developments, he said, adding that there has been an enhanced degree of interactivity across the region among South Asia’s corporate sector, professional groups, intellectuals, writers and others.

The SAARC Secretary General said the Summit is also important because it will take on reforming the structures, realistically evaluating the present situation and charting strategies for the future.

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