Karzai off to Maldives for SAARC summit

KABUL) conference, his office said.

Karzai is accompanied by Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul and national security advisor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta on the trip to take part in the two-day summit due to open on Thursday.

Karzai will deliver a speech on enhancing cooperation in economic, cultural, political and security sectors with the other member states, a statement issued from the Presidential Palace said.

The President would highlight Afghanistan‘s vision for further cooperation among SAARC nations and emphasis on efforts at improving security in Afghanistan.    

Karzai is expected to meet Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, and other heads of member states on the sidelines of the summit to discuss mutual cooperation.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established after its charter was formally adopted by the Heads of States or governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on December 8, 1985.

SAARC provides a platform for the people 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.

Afghanistan is the eighth country which received SAARC membership in 2007.

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