Talks begin to form South Asian Forum
Foreign secretaries of the eight South Asian countries yesterday began discussion on setting up of a South Asia Forum.
The 38th session of the Saarc standing committee, comprises by the foreign secretaries of the member countries -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- began a two-day long meeting in Thimphu to prepare a report about progress achieved since the 16th summit held last year in Bhutan.
They will also finalise agenda for Saasc countries foreign ministers' meeting beginning on February 8. Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes is leading Bangladesh at the standing committee meeting.
According to the officials, the heads of states and governments of Saarc countries at the 16th Saarc summit held in Bhutan in April 2010 adopted a proposal regarding formation of a South Asia Forum such as the Association of South East Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
They said the setting up of this forum will be discussed in detail both at the Saarc standing committee and council of ministers meeting.
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