FMs of Japan, China, S. Korea here as SAARC observers

Rasika SOMARATHNA

COLOMBO: The Foreign Ministers of Japan, China and South Korea are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as observers during the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in addition to Foreign Ministers of the Member Nations.

A Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry official said yesterday that they were expecting these delegates but had not received confirmation regarding their participation at the event yet. However, according to Japanese media Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is set to undertake an eight day official tour to Sri Lanka, India and Uzbekistan from August 1.

Seven observer nations including the European Union, United States, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius and the new entrant Iran is expected to take part in the Summit.

Meanwhile, authorities said all arrangements were in place to conduct the 15th SAARC summit from July 27 to August 3 under the theme ‘Partnership for our people’ and according to the vision ‘Towards a South Asian Union’.

Among the topics to be deliberated are soaring oil prices, world food crisis, economic growth, inter regional trade, poverty alleviation, social development and terrorism in South Asia.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama recently said Sri Lanka intends to use the SAARC platform to showcase the country’s resilience against terrorism. .

Foreign Ministry officials and Ministers are scheduled to take part during deliberations from July 27 to August 1 and Heads of States are expected to join proceedings on August 2 and 3.

Over 1,000 delegates from SAARC countries India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka an expected. In addition, over 400 international and local media personnel are expected to attend the event.