South Asian Regional Cooperation

The objectives of SAARC as mentioned in the charter are as follows: - To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life; - To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realise their full potential; - To promote and strengthen collective self- reliance among the countries of South Asia; - To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems; - To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields; - To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries; - To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interests; and - To cooperate with international and regional organisations with similar aims and purposes.

Cooperation within the framework of the Association is based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual benefit. - Such cooperation is to complement and not to substitute bilateral or multilateral cooperation. Such cooperation should be consistent with bilateral and multilateral obligations of Member States. Decisions at all levels in SAARC are taken on the basis of unanimity. Bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from the deliberations of the Association.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic