DHAKA, Dec 7, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh today emphasized the need for convening a Foreign Secretary-level meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to reinvigorate the regional forum’s functional activities.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin made the proposal when SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Golam Sarwar met him at foreign ministry, a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to playing a proactive role in revitalizing the SAARC.  

He assured the Secretary General of Bangladesh’s readiness to collaborate closely with other member states to advance the SAARC process.

Jashim Uddin highlighted the upcoming 'Youth Festival,' scheduled to take place in Dhaka in January 2025, which aims to foster meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange among the region’s youth folks.

He also pledged Bangladesh’s full support to the SAARC Secretariat in fulfilling its mandate and strengthening regional cooperation.

The Secretary General updated the Foreign Secretary on SAARC’s ongoing activities, including plans to convene the next session of the Programming Committee in the first quarter of 2025, the initiatives of regional centres, and preparations for celebrating the 40th anniversary of SAARC Charter Day.

He acknowledged Bangladesh’s pivotal role in advancing SAARC’s objectives and expressed optimism for its continued contributions.