ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: The next Saarc summit would be held in Dhaka in January 2005, Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said in her concluding remarks at the Saarc Summit here on Tuesday.

Thanking Saarc leaders for choosing Bangladesh as the next venue for the next summit, she said she was looking forward to welcome all participants in Dhaka.

Referring to the 12th Saarc Summit, she said it provided a new thrust to regional poverty reduction efforts by endorsing the report and recommendations of the independent South Asian Commission on Poverty Alleviation, Begum Khaleda Zia said.

She said the Summit would mark a key watershed in enhancing South Asian regional cooperation. "This has provided a road map for concrete action in this vital area. The signing of South Asian Free Trade Area and Social Charter by the heads is an historic event," she added.

"It will go a long way in highlighting the social dimension of Saarc mandate in this region," she said. Appreciating the efficiency of the staff of the Saarc secretariat, Begum Khaleda Zia said they had provided prompt documentation to delegates.

She also praised Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, saying: "Mr chairman, you deserve our special thanks for your able and dynamic leadership you provided towards the successful conclusion of our meeting."

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia also thanked Pakistan government for excellent conference arrangements. Prime Minister Khaleda concluded her address by saying: "Allah Hafiz".

Later, Begum Khaleda Zia left here for Dhaka and was seen off at the airport by Prime Minister Jamali. Minister for Education Zubaida Jalal and other officials were also present on the occasion.-APP