SAARC Summit: Peace imperative for regional development, says Gilani

Thimpu, Apr.28 (ANI): Stressing that peace is imperative for regional development, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that stabilising the region and establishing peace were his countries top priorities.

Addressing the 16th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit here, Gilani called for both individual and collective efforts for poverty alleviation, establishment of peace, promotion of health and education in the region.

Gilani said terrorism has become an international phenomenon and it has affected South Asia the most, and pointed out that the SAARC countries will have to fight the menace of terrorism together.

He said that the region can become a global economy engine, but for that to happen a greater coordination for inter-regional trade among the countries is required.

Gilani also called to redouble efforts to conserve eco resources of the region, and said that area-wise mitigation of issue must be assessed in the summit.

Highlighting the need of water conservation, Gilani emphasizedon the role of regional cooperation over the issue. (ANI)