Japan to put additional 7 million dollars in SAARC Special Fund

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Averring its commitment to assist projects of special interest to SAARC member countries, Japan today announced that it was contributing an additional seven million dollars to the 'SAARC-Japan Special Fund.' The Fund would promote social and cultural exchanges with South Asia.

In his address to the 14th SAARC Summit here, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said his government will co-operate in a greater measure with SAARC countries to achieve better regional connectivity.

The Fund will also finance youth activities and an official Japanese source said the country will have an intake of 500 high school and university students from the SAARC countries every year.

The Minister cited instances of how assistance from his country has helped different countries in the Region. "The bridges Japan helped building in Bangladesh have connected the land formerly separated by rivers, contiburting the country's social and economic development," Mr Aso said.

Mr Aso said Japan will support the democratisation process in Nepal and Bhutan.

UNI