Heads of state or government of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states issued special messages on Thursday to mark the 21st SAARC Charter Day.

The SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu also hosted a reception to mark the historic event.

A large number of dignitaries including members of the cabinet, heads of constitutional bodies, members of diplomatic corps, representatives from business community, civil society and media, and professionals from different walks of life attended the function.

In his message, Nepali Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey said at the threshold of the third decade of existence, SAARC is moving slowly but surely in the positive direction encompassing the agenda vital for the fulfillment of the Charter objective of promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia.

"We need to get prepared for new and emerging global challenges such as terrorism and environmental catastrophes," Pandey said.

The minister also stated that strengthening goodwill and cooperation are collective processes, which flourish in an environment free of fear and apprehension.

The SAARC Charter was signed by leaders of the seven South Asian countries on Dec. 8, 1985 in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, with the objective to accelerate the process of economic and social development in member states and promote regional peace and solidarity.

The regional organization has eight members now with the addition of Afghanistan in the already existing Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. China and Japan are observers of the organization.

Source: Xinhua