Overcoming the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic will require South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations to work together in good faith, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

On the occasion of the 36th SAARC Charter Day, the president sent a message to the Secretary-General of SAARC, Esala Ruwan Weerakoon, where he extended best wishes to Weerakoon, SAARC Secretariat, SAARC bodies and entities as well as to the entire SAARC family.

Highlighting that the SAARC Charter Day falls amid a global pandemic this year, the president applauded SAARC for playing a major role in fostering a stronger regional identity and enhancing cooperation between the government of SAARC nations.

As such, the “timely” video conference of SAARC leaders hosted by India, as well as the establishment of the Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund in order to address the impacts of the pandemic, is a strong reaffirmation of the value of South Asian regional cooperation.

President Solih noted that it is also a healthy sign of mutual regional goodwill that SAARC has been able to hold several meetings and conduct several activities using virtual platforms, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the crisis.

In this regard, the Maldives president called on the SAARC nations to ensure the organization “lives up to its full potential”.

Noting the importance of regularly engaging and consulting with one another, President Solih urged the coordination of efforts on mutually important issues, in order to reap the full benefits of regional cooperation.

Since its inception in 1985, Maldives has been fully committed to SAARC and remains eager to work together with neighboring nations to strengthen the prosperity, stability and peace of the region, Solih reaffirmed.