External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in her opening remarks at the 18th SAARC Summit, said here on Tuesday that the Indian Government was a firm believer in the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
"It was this vision that animated the invitation that Prime Minister Modi extended to the Heads of Government of all SAARC countries for his swearing in. It is the same vision that has made me travel to five of the seven SAARC countries in the six months that I have been in office," said Swaraj.
The External Affairs Minister said that 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' was the another vision that the Indian government was committed to.
"Another vision that my government is committed to is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. 'Together with all; Development for all'. This is also our vision for SAARC. How together all eight member states can make faster progress and improve the quality of life for all our peoples. But, for this to happen, SAARC will also have to adapt itself to operate more effectively and efficiently as a purposeful vehicle for regional economic cooperation," she added.
She also offered condolences to the government and people of Afghanistan for the suicide bombing at a volleyball match which left 50 people dead.
"Let me begin by conveying my condolences to the government and people of Afghanistan for the terrible tragedy they have faced. This cowardly act, of killing and maiming people watching a volleyball match, has shown once again that terrorism is the biggest challenge our region faces today, and requires a collective response," said Swaraj.
She added that the 30th year of SAARC will be the time when the edifice that has been built is energized and the organization given the needed momentum
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"SAARC has completed 29 years. In 2015, we will celebrate the thirty years of our organization. As in the life of individuals, so in the life of an organization, the thirtieth year is supposed to mark a turning point. It is the time when the edifice that has been built is energized and the organization given the needed momentum," the External Affairs Minister said.
"Over the last 29 years SAARC has created the architecture of institutions and processes, mechanisms and instruments. It is time that these are effectively mobilised and operationalised for fulfilling the vision of our leaders. Our Ministers of Home, Education, Energy and Culture have met recently and given the needed push for deepening the SAARC process," she added.
Appreciating the efforts put in by the Secretary General and his team for the detailed Analytical Report informing them of the work done and the progress made, Swaraj said, "The areas identified, where progress needs to be rapid, should be our focus during these deliberations. The continuing process of review, rationalisation, strengthening and streamlining of SAARC institutions is very welcome. We should now concentrate on core areas and shed peripheral mechanisms so that the revitalized institutions could bring intensity of focus to SAARC."
She added that the three Cs-Culture, Commerce and Connectivity can lead them towards 'deeper regional integration for peace and prosperity'.
She also informed that the South Asian University in New Delhi was now in its fifth academic year, with 436 students from all eight SAARC countries.
"We have ambitious plans for this University and the role that it will play in increasingly shaping the new generation with a pan-SAARC consciousness. I hope other SAARC specialized bodies will also continue to deliver on the objectives with which they were established," said Swaraj.
Preparations are on in full swing in Nepal to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will leave for Kathmandu this afternoon to attend the two-day SAARC summit scheduled to begin from tomorrow.