07 January 2004	Wednesday	14 Ziqa'ad 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: The Council of Arab Ambassadors to Pakistan has welcomed the successful conclusion of 12th Saarc summit, and lauded the positive outcome of this gathering for the stability and prosperity of the peoples of South Asia.

A press release issued here on Tuesday said the summit deliberations and the fruitful consultations would pave the way for a new era of peace, stability and cooperation in the region, which comprises one-fifth of world population.

The Arab envoys also welcomed the Islamabad Declaration, which is a road map that reflects the determination of Saarc leaders to further develop ties between Saarc and other regions such as Arab world in the fields of economy, culture, science and technology, environment, social welfare and fight against terrorism.

The Arab ambassadors were of the view that the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement ensured greater economic integration within the region, and the Additional Protocol to Saarc Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism reiterated the commitment and determination of Saarc member states to eliminating terrorism.