Maldives president urges SAARC leaders to ensure peace, stability

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday urged all members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to ensure peace and stability for all.

President Solih sent felicitations to SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, the secretariat, institutions affiliated with SAARC, and the people of the South Asian nations on the 38th SAARC Charter Day. SAARC Charter Day is observed every year on December 8.

In his message, the president said that the Maldives recognises the significance of adhering to regional collaboration to ensure peace and stability for all and reiterated the Maldives' commitment to the principles and values underpinning the SAARC Charter.

The president also highlighted the long histories of trade, cultural exchange, and goodwill in times of need that have bound the people of SAARC countries. He ended his message by expressing hope to continue to work together to achieve progress and prosperity for the people of the SAARC region.

Set up 37 years ago in 1985, SAARC has not been able to perform properly. It was particularly complicated by the long-standing tensions and differences between India and Pakistan.

The last summit of leaders of member states, which is scheduled to be held every 18 months, was last held in Nepal in 2014. The 2016 summit set to be held in Pakistan was cancelled after India pulled out of it.