Islamabad: India Center for Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organized a round table discussion on “Prospects and Challenges of Regional Cooperation in South Asia” with Ambassador Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC). This event was attended by diplomats, scholars, practitioners and researchers from various think tanks and universities located in Islamabad.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood gave a welcome speech.
During the round table discussion, the importance of SAARC for the region was highlighted by the participants. It has been noted that SAARC is a people-oriented organization. It has an important role in solving many challenges faced by member countries, including food security, population growth, natural disasters, interregional trade and lack of connectivity. Now, among other things, the SAARC Youth Charter is expected, which will help promote cultural cooperation among the youth of the member countries.
Participants emphasized the need to improve the implementation of SAARC resolutions; increase economic cooperation and trade; and deepening regional integration and connectivity. The participants shared their views on the achievements of SAARC so far and suggested ways to revitalize the SAARC process to make it a viable platform for regional cooperation. The need to resolve long-standing disputes and reduce bilateral tensions was emphasized by the participants as a means of creating a favorable environment for regional cooperation.
Head of BoG ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmoud gave the closing speech.
