The 15th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit and its preceding meetings will be held in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo from July 27 to Aug. 3 with the participation of around 1200 delegates and media personnel.
The SAARC was established when its charter was formally adopted on Dec. 8, 1985 by the heads of state or government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In April 2007, at the association's 14th summit, Afghanistan became its eighth member.
With almost 1.5 billion people, the regional organization provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in member states.
Apart from its eight member states, China, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Korea, Mauritius and the United States will participate in the 15th summit as observers.
According to the charter, the objectives of the association are:
-- to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life;
-- to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potential;
-- to promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia;
-- to contribute to mutual trust, understand and appreciation of one another's problem;
-- to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields;
-- to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries;
-- to strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest;
-- to cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.
The charter said "the heads of state or government shall meet once a year or more often as and when considered necessary by the member states."
The first summit was held in Bangladesh in 1985. Bangladesh also hosted 1993 and 2005 summits. India hosted three summits in 1986, 1995 and 2007 respectively.
The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosted two summits each. Bhutan has not hosted a summit up to now.
The 15th summit will be the third time for Sri Lanka to receive the South Asian heads of state or government.
Other main institutions of the SAARC include the Council of Ministers, the Standing Committee and the Secretariat.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article