The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional forum launched in 1985 with eight countries members in South Asia; India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and recently in 2007 Afghanistan.
Delegates from the eight South Asian, Including President Hamid Karzai, representing Afghanistan, had a joint initiative on Wednesday at Bhutan to discuss issues like climate change threats, boosting regional trade and economic cooperation amongst the eight member countries.
During the course of the summit, an agreement was signed amongst the eight member countries in order to promote trade and enhancing collaboration amongst the member counties addressing development initiatives in sectors like: health, hospitality, economic cooperation, communications; information technology and air traffic. Further, enabling the realization of the south Asia region’s potential in these services.
President Hamid Karzai called for greater cooperative efforts to eradicate the twin scourge of terrorism and extremism from South Asia. Addressing the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit here on Wednesday, he urged on attacks over the past two years in Kabul, Islamabad, Mumbai and elsewhere.
