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LAHORE: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said that the ongoing Indo-Pak peace dialogue has significantly raised the importance of the regional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) forum, DawnNews reported.
Talking to the media before his departure to the Maldives on a three-day visit to attend the 17th SAARC summit, Gilani said that Pakistan will utilise the platform to address regional issues of the greatest significance.
Tthe current government of Pakistan was placing the highest importance to the regional summit, he added.
The premier said the SAARC had earlier been losing its effectiveness and could not move forward due to tense relations between the two major countries of South Asia.
Key issues pertaining to communications, trade and economic relations are expected to be discussed at the summit , titled 'Building Bridges,' to be held in Addu City, the Maldives from November 10-11.
Heads of States of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will attend the Summit.
Replying to a question, Gilani said: “We will definitely focus on the Conference’s theme ‘Building the Bridges’ by discussing all possible ways and means for mutual cooperation through rail, road and sea route.”
He said that on the sidelines of the conference, he would also hold talks with the top leadership of the SAARC member countries.
A 12-member delegation, including Communications Minister Arbab Alamgir, Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Khan Ghori, and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, is accompanying the prime minister to the regional conference.
