A thousand butter lamps will be lit at the Kuenray of the Tashichhodzong today to celebrate the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and observe the 34th anniversary of the signing of the SAARC Charter

A press release from the foreign ministry states that the SAARC Charter signed on December 8 1985 recognises the region’s shared history and common destiny and enshrines the desire and determination of the countries in the region to foster mutual understanding, friendship and meaningful cooperation for peace and prosperity.

The objective of SAARC is to accelerate the process of social, economic and cultural development in the region. Current areas of cooperation among the Member States encompass poverty alleviation, trade, energy, finance, agriculture, education, connectivity, social development, climate change, science and technology, countering terrorism and transnational crime, illicit use of drugs, among several others.

“As a founding member, Bhutan attaches high importance to the purpose and principles of the SAARC Charter,” the press release states. “Bhutan will continue to work with the Member States to make SAARC a dynamic, responsive and effective regional organisation that contributes to realising the shared dreams and aspirations of our peoples.”

The Chief Executive Officer of SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Dr Sunil Motiwal also called on Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering where he was briefed on the current activities and future action plans of SDF and that Bhutan is one of the largest recipients of SDF funding.

Staff Reporter