Addu (Maldives), Nov 12: The SAARC Summit on Friday decided on a matrix of political and financial issues declaring their resolve to fight terrorism in all forms and to liberalise trade by eliminating non-tariff barriers and ad valorem duties within the South Asian region.
At the end of the 2-day meeting of heads of government and state at this Maldivian city, south of equator, the eight-nation grouping adopted “Addu Declaration” which said it was “deeply concerned” about the continuing threat of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
To combat and root out terrorism, the summit called for an early conclusion of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and conclusion of the ratification of the SAARC convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.
The leaders signed the SAARC agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters, Seed Bank, Multilateral Arrangement on Recognition of Conformity Assessment and on Implementation of Regional Standards.
They were also worried about transnational organised crimes, especially illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychtropic substances, trafficking in persons and small arms and increased incidents of maritime piracy in the region. They reiterated their resolve to fight all such menaces.
With “Building Bridges” as its theme, the 17th summit recognised the importance of the full implementation of South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) as a measure towards the creation of an enabling economic environment in the region.
