The SAARC summit which was held after two postponements outlined a "new vision" for addressing the issues like terrorism, poverty alleviation and regional cooperation. It also prepared a roadmap for the economic integration of South Asian countries.
The seven-nation summit drew up an action-plan to collectively combat terrorism posing the biggest challenge to the countries in the region and work united for speedy economic development of the region.
In a significant step, SAARC decided to establish SAARC Poverty Alleviation Fund, (SPAF) and expedite efforts to remove irritants in setting up free-trade area by January 1 as part of the efforts to move towards a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU).
An eight-page Dhaka Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the 13th SAARC Summit, said the operational modalities of SPAF shall be decided by Finance and Planning ministers of the member nations and it will function within the reconstituted South Asian Development Fund (SADF).
The South Asian Development Fund, which would now be known as SAARC Development Fund (SDF) will serve as the umbrella financial institution for all SAARC projects and programmes and comprise three windows - social, infrastructure and economic windows with a permanent secretariat.
Bangladesh's proposal to declare 2007 as the Year of Green South Asia has also been accepted at the 13th SAARC Summit.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the two-day Summit, Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia said that all member nations recommitted themselves to region-wide afforestation and reforestation programmes.
The leaders of Saarc nations also called for an integrated and coordinated effort to face natural calamities like earthquake and tsunami and emphasized the need for urgent steps for disaster management.
In a significant decision, the SAARC member nations also awarded Japan and China the status of observers in the regional organization. The member nations also agreed to grant full membership to Afghanistan and include the war-torn nation within the SAARC fold.
The summit was attended by Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Sri Lanka President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maldives President M.A. Gayoom, Nepal King Gyanendra, Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup and Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when its Charter was formally adopted on December 8, 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
SAARC provides a platform for the peoples 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.
The Indian delegation was led by the Prime Minister that included the Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and High Commissioner Veena Sikri.
Surojit Chatterjee
Christian Today Correspondent