SAARC should help create understanding and cooperation: Pak

Islamabad, Nov 8: Pakistan has said disputes which are holding back regional cooperation must be resolved and the SAARC should help create amity, understanding and cooperation on the basis of enlightened self-interest of the peoples of South Asia.

Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the Standing Committee of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation held at Addu Atoll in the Maldives yesterday.

"It was important that differences and disputes that had held back regional cooperation must be resolved. The conference theme of 'Building Bridges' should help create amity, understanding and cooperation on the basis of enlightened self interest of the peoples of the region," Bashir was quoted as saying in a statement issued today by the Foreign Office.

Pakistan believes SAARC "must lead the way and act as a catalyst for South Asia's socio-economic transformation", he said.

The economic potential of South Asia is enormous and the region "must endeavour to become an important pillar for global economic growth", he said.

Bashir represented Pakistan at the meeting of SAARC Foreign Secretaries that was held ahead of a Summit of the grouping.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional cooperation under SAARC. He said the world was interested in SAARC and Pakistan supports greater interaction with extra regional states and organizations.

PTI