Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the revival of SAARC, urging member states to resolve their differences through dialogue and renew regional cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), urging member states to resolve their differences through dialogue and return to negotiations in the interest of regional peace and cooperation.
Speaking at the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day celebrations, Muizzu said the long-standing impasse within the regional grouping should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than prolonged deadlock.
According to a statement issued by the Maldivian government, the President urged SAARC member states to return to the negotiating table and reaffirmed the Maldives’ willingness to act as a mediator to help break the stalemate.
Muizzu made the remarks during a ceremony attended by 113 diplomats representing 43 countries and international organisations. In his address, he also outlined the Maldives’ foreign policy priorities and called on the international community to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.
SAARC, established to promote regional cooperation and economic integration in South Asia, comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the organisation has remained largely inactive in recent years because of political tensions among member states, particularly over cross-border terrorism involving Pakistan.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh also called for renewed efforts to strengthen regional cooperation through SAARC.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the organisation needed stronger implementation capacity, greater financial resources, more effective specialised mechanisms and a better system for following up on agreed initiatives.
Obaed also said Bangladesh had been consulting other SAARC member states to explore the possibility of convening a meeting of senior officials and holding a special session of the Council of Ministers to revive the regional body’s activities.
Muizzu’s appeal comes as South Asian countries continue to face shared challenges, including economic pressures, climate risks and regional security concerns, underscoring the need for greater cooperation among neighbouring nations.
