Islamabad: A landmark Summit of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries opened in Islamabad today (Jan 4, 2004) with a call from Pakistan for overcoming of political differences for economic growth in the South Asian region.

"The Asian region has immense resources in terms of geographical affinities, rich cultural heritage and huge talented people which are great assets," Pakistan Prime Minister Zaffarullah Khan Jamali said in his inaugural address to the seven-member nation Summit.

Pointing out that political differences were holding back economic development in South Asia, he said these needed to be overcome and mutual trust and confidence built for the progress of the region.