ISLAMABAD, Jan 5: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Monday stressed the need for collective efforts to confront problems facing the South Asian region.

He was speaking here at a banquet attended by heads of state and government who are here to attend the 12th Saarc Summit. Prime Minister said: "We are heartened by the atmosphere of cordiality and the spirit of accommodation demonstrated by all the participants."

Classifying Saarc as an extended family of South Asian nations, he said its key feature was informality. "We have our share of arguments. But we also have a sense of belonging and togetherness. A sense that the myriad problems confronting our region can and must be faced collectively for the larger benefit of our peoples."

"Our deliberations have indeed been most productive. We have discussed a wide range of important issues." Prime Minister Jamali hoped that their stay in Islamabad will help reinforce the ties.

"Some regions in our extended neighbourhood have strode past us. We have our own strengths and linkages." Prime Minister Jamali in his brief remarks thanked them for attending the event and described it as being "most productive."

He wished all guests a happy and long life and peace and progress to the peoples of South Asia. Apart from the President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had to leave earlier due to pressing engagements, the other five heads and members of their delegations attended the banquet.

Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khalida Zia in her vote of thanks termed the Islamabad summit a "milestone" in efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. She said: "Our deliberations ... demonstrated a common desire to move ahead at a faster pace in key areas of cooperation. There have been significant achievements, which will take our cooperation to newer heights," she said.

Begum Khalida said: "Today's retreat, in a wonderful setting, provided us with a unique opportunity to meet in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It allowed us to exchange views on a wide variety of issues in a frank and candid manner which will facilitate our future deliberations."

She expressed her gratitude to the prime minister for the warm sentiments. She also thanked the government and the people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality and for the excellent arrangements for the Summit.

She expressed hope that under Prime Minister Jamali's leadership, Saarc would continue to move forward, bringing the countries and the peoples closer.-APP