'SAARC Summit should take place at the earliest'

Kathmandu, June 30: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara Friday said that the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit should take place at the earliest.

In a meeting with Amjad Hussain, Secretary General of SAARC, at his office at Singha Durbar, DPM Mahara, who also chairs the SAARC Council of Ministers (SCM), reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the SAARC process and said that the nineteenth SAARC Summit should take place as soon as possible.

The DPM assured Hussain of full cooperation of government of Nepal in fulfilling his responsibilities, the SAARC Secretariat stated in a press statement.

DPM Mahara expressed confidence that Secretary General’s vast experience and tested leadership would bring new dynamism to the SAARC process during his tenure.

Hussain expressed his commitment to do his utmost to serve to the best of his capability for achievement of the purposes and objectives of SAARC Charter and hoped for continued support and guidance from the Chair of SCM.

“He assured DPM Mahara of the efficient and effective services of the SAARC Secretariat to the member states and enhanced visibility of SAARC. The Secretary General also briefed him about the upcoming Ministerial meetings of the SAARC,” reads the statement.

He commended the role of Nepal in supporting the SAARC process as the Chair of SAARC, its founding member and host of the Secretariat.