The Maldives is fully prepared to facilitate the necessary environment to hold a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit at the earliest opportunity and play a constructive role as a mediator to revitalize the regional body, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced.
President Muizzu made the remarks following high-level bilateral talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Highlighting the importance of strengthening regional and international cooperation alongside bilateral ties, the President emphasised that both the Maldives and Pakistan prioritise close collaboration across multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Emphasising the vital role of the organisation, President Muizzu stated that the Maldives firmly believes in the necessity and potential of SAARC to address common challenges confronting South Asia. Reflecting on the nation’s legacy as a founding member of SAARC, he noted that the Maldives remains committed to taking proactive leadership to reactivate the bloc, which has experienced an operational impasse for nearly nine years.
"In order to achieve the full benefits of regional cooperation, we believe that rebuilding trust, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and enhancing mutual understanding are essential," President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said.
The President noted that Maldivian foreign policy is rooted in peaceful dialogue and sitting at the negotiating table to resolve differences for mutual benefit. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed that reviving SAARC is essential for lasting peace and stability in the region, adding that the Maldives stands ready to work closely with all member states to facilitate the reconvening of SAARC leaders at the summit level.