Friday, December 9 2005 10:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Observing that SAARC countries are confronted with the challenges of socio-economic development, Bangladesh President Ijuddin Ahmed yesterday (Dec 8,2005) said the recently concluded 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka has given renewed hope for rebirth and regeneration of South Asia.

In a message on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of SAARC, which was observed here yesterday, Ahmed said the countries of the region were required to make special efforts in alleviating poverty, enhancing intra-regional trade and attracting investment.

"Our nations are required to make special efforts in alleviating poverty, enhancing intra-regional trade, attracting investment, expanding transport and communication network, adopting a regional energy strategy, increasing investment in human resources development, ensuring quality education, and management of natural disaster," he said.

The Bangladesh Embassy here organized a programme to mark the SAARC Charter Day, the first such occasion hosted by any foreign embassy in Kathmandu.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal M. Humayun Kabir said the implementation of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) from January 2006 will be a big leap in strengthening regional cooperation in South Asia.

Addressing the function, Nepalese Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey said the disaster caused by environmental imbalance and terrorism were the two main problems facing the South Asian nations. He also advised SAARC countries not to maintain double standard while dealing with the issue of terrorism and urged them to collectively fight the menace of terrorism.