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Progress made in realising main objectives - Prime Minister

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message stated that SAARC has made considerable progress in realizing in the main objectives set out in its charter.

The message stated:

"It is with much pleasure that I send this message on the occasion of the Commemoration of the Seventeenth Anniversary of the Signing of the SAARC Charter.

"Over the last seventeen years, SAARC has made considerable progress in realising the main objectives set out in its Charter, which is to accelerate the process of economic and social development in Member Countries.

"The agenda of SAARC today covers practically all key areas of socio-economic development in the region. Issues relating to the alleviation of poverty and disadvantaged sections of our societies such as the youth, women and children have received particular attention within the SAARC framework. Addressing terrorism and drug trafficking are important challenges faced by the Association.

The Association has taken important initiatives in regard to promoting and enhancing economic and trade opportunities with the region, and Sri Lanka is pleased that the negotiations have recently commenced on a draft framework for a South Asian Free Trade Area, which will be a major watershed in SAARC and lead to tangible benefits for the peoples of South Asia.

"As SAARC marks its seventeenth year of existence, it is important to take stock of its achievements and extend our vision to the future, to see how the process of regional cooperation in South Asia could be made even more dynamic and attuned to the hopes and aspirations of our people.

"Sri Lanka is convinced and will give all its efforts to promoting regional co-operation among the countries of South Asia as mutually beneficial, desirable and necessary for promoting the welfare and improving the quality of life of the peoples of the region."

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