President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says overcoming the challenge of this pandemic will require the whole SAARC region to work together regularly and in good faith.
He said this in a message to Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), on the occasion of the 36th SAARC Charter Day.
President Solih said that the role of SAARC in fostering a strong regional identity and enhancing cooperation between our governments is now especially evident.
He said that overcoming the challenge of this pandemic will require the whole region to work together regularly and in good faith.
The President noted that the timely video conference of SAARC leaders hosted by India and the establishment of the SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund to address the immediate impacts of the disease is a strong reaffirmation of the value of South Asian regional cooperation.
He said that it is also a healthy sign of mutual regional goodwill that, despite the difficult circumstances, we have been able to hold several meetings and conduct several activities using virtual platforms.
President Solih called on all the countries to redouble their commitment to ensure that this organization lives up to its full potential.
He said that it is crucial that we regularly engage and consult with one another, and coordinate our efforts on mutually important issues, in order to reap the full benefits of regional cooperation.
He reiterated that the Government of Maldives has been fully committed to SAARC since its inception in 1985 and that it remains eager to work together with our neighbors to strengthen the peace, prosperity, and stability of the region.
