News
Saturday, May 01, 2010
‘Pakistan considers SAARC instrument of response to deficit’
* PM Gilani says Islamabad envisions regional body to be an organisation promoting the global agenda of peace and prosperity
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan considers SAARC an indispensable instrument of collective response to regional development deficit, said Prime Minister (PM) Yousaf Raza Gilani in a statement upon his arrival in Pakistan on Friday, after attending the 16th SAARC Summit in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The 16th SAARC Summit was held in Thimphu, Bhutan on April 28th and 29th. The summit reviewed the progress on the implementation of decisions taken during the last SAARC Summit in Colombo in 2008 and gave further directions to the SAARC processes on multi-dimensional issues of common interest including climate change, finance, trade and health etc. Gilani said that Pakistan envisions SAARC to be an organisation, promoting not only regional development, but advancing the global agenda of peace and prosperity. Pakistan has taken substantial measures to advance the objectives of SAARC, he added.
During his stay in Thimphu, the prime minister stressed upon the need for creating harmony and stability in the region to realise socio-economic development and ensuring the well being of the citizens of Pakistan. “This certainly is the priority of my government. We agreed to redouble our efforts to realise SAARC development goals, which would help in poverty alleviation, food and energy security and health and education,” he said.
The theme of the Summit, “Climate Change” reflected common concern on climate change. The prime minister said Pakistan was particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and global warming. In order to promote tangible cooperation, the PM proposed that a regional study on climate change risk be commissioned by SAARC. This proposal was adopted by the summit.
“Pakistan also signed the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment. Now the country needs to focus on sharing practices and pooling resources to adopt region wide mitigation and adaptation measures,” Gilani said. He also elaborated on the need for regional cooperation on water conservation and water management.
On scientific research and the transfer of applied technologies, Gilani said he had proposed the establishment of a SAARC Science Foundation, as well as SAARC Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Forums. He also offered to establish a SAARC Regional Centre on Climate Change in Pakistan. The PM said that Pakistan welcomed the inauguration of the Secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund in Thimphu and this step, would allow the effective utilisation of the fund, for the benefit of the people of the region.
Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s will and determination to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk