President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on the occasion of its 40th Charter Day, celebrated on 8 December. In his message, the President extended greetings to the Secretary-General, the Secretariat, affiliated institutions, and the people of South Asia.
President Muizzu highlighted SAARC’s ongoing efforts since its establishment in 1985 to enhance the lives of South Asians. He underscored the principles enshrined in the SAARC Charter, which aim to promote peace and prosperity across the region. The President called for renewed commitment to addressing critical challenges such as climate change, public health, and economic inequality. He emphasised the importance of prioritising sustainable development, innovation, resilient infrastructure, and connectivity.
Concluding his message, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to building a dynamic and more inclusive SAARC, dedicated to fulfilling shared aspirations and promoting a brighter, prosperous future for the people of South Asia.
The Maldives has been a proactive member of SAARC since its inception, contributing to various regional initiatives. Notably, in November 2024, the Maldives hosted a High-Level Policy Forum on South Asia’s Agricultural Future, focusing on scaling up climate-smart agriculture practices for sustainable growth.
This event exemplifies the Maldives’ dedication to regional cooperation and sustainable development within the SAARC framework.
SAARC, founded on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, comprises eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organisation aims to promote economic development and regional integration among South Asian nations.
