Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called on all South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) members states to continue close collaborations in order to overcome all obstacles surfacing for the region.

He said this in his message of felicitations extended on the auspicious occasion of the 38th SAARC Charter Day.

In his message, FM Shahid expressed great pleasure in conveying warm greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, to the Secretary General of SAARC, the SAARC Secretariat, and the people of the South Asia region.

Highlighting that the SAARC Charter was envisioned to provide a durable mechanism to discuss the common concerns facing our region, FM Shahid added that it also addressed the economic aspirations of the region, with a view to develop mutual trust and confidence within member states.

This being said, the Maldivian minister added that it is essential to interact often in order to solve the significant challenges faced as a region.

He also stressed on the importance of collaborating with one another amicably.

Further, FM Shahid touched down on the Covid-19 pandemic, stating that it has affected societies and economies around the globe and is bound to irreversibly transform communities as it continues to unfold.

He stressed that the SAARC region will be left with a series of unprecedented challenges in the wake of the economic and social downturn stemming from the pandemic.

However, FM Shahid stated that these obstacles can be overcome if all SAARC member states remain dedicated to continue close collaborations and to preserve a cohesive atmosphere of friendship, as well as to collaborate in the true spirit of SAARC.

Maldives has been completely committed to SAARC since creation in 1985, he added, noting that the archipelago nation remains dedicated to cooperate with neighbors to enhance the association's capacity.