Pakistan to host Saarc mooting, commits Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Secretary-General South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Esala Ruwan Weerakoon Wednesday assured Pakistan that he would spare no effort to strengthen cooperation among the member states so as to realize the full potential of the Association.

Esala Ruwan, who is on his first visit to Pakistan since assuming the office, called on FM Shah Mahmood at the Foreign Office. Qureshi reminded him of the important and constructive role played by Pakistan. In realizing the true potential of the Saarc and making it a useful organization for regional cooperation and mutual benefit based on the principle of sovereign equality.

Without naming India, the Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the Saarc Summit when the ‘artificial obstacles’ created in its way would be removed. said the Foreign Office.

Pakistan scheduled to host the 19th Summit of the Saarc in Islamabad in 2016. But following the Uri terror attack, India canceled its participation, and the process stalled ever since. The last summit held in Kathmandu in 2014.

“The foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the Saarc Charter. For the welfare of the people of the region, economic integration, and regional prosperity”, said the Foreign Office.

Earlier Pakistan host OIC session in Islamabad