Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani urges implementation of SAARC Charter

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has underscored the need for implementation of SAARC Charter for the welfare of the people by expanding co-operation among the SAARC member countries and collaborating to exploit the full potential of the rich natural resources of the region.

Addressing the underway SAARC Summit here, the prime minister said that the world today was faced with the challenges of terrorism and extremism and we have to strive individually and collectively for wiping it out. He said that the SAARC countries were rich in natural resources, which could be fully exploited by promoting co-operation among the member countries. He underlined the need of implementation of SAARC Social Charter. He further stressed on widening the co-operation among the SAARC countries in energy sector and getting our acts together for meeting global food grains shortage. He also suggested exploring alternative sources of energy for meeting global oil crisis.

Yousuf Raza Gilani, while condemning the recent blast outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul, said that the terrorism and extremism has taken the region hostage. The PM also welcomed the Australian and Myanmar’s taking interest in SAARC.

Congratulating Sri Lanka President on assuming the charge of SAARC presidency, Yousuf Raza Gilani hoped that the Colombo Conference would prove to be a milestone in widening the co-operation among the member countries.

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