President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a message to Amjad Hussain B. Sial, the Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), on the occasion of the 35th SAARC Charter Day.

In his message, he noted that greater connectivity among the people of SAARC need to be ensured in order to unlock the great potential of SAARC.

"We have to re-double our efforts to ensure that the decision-making process of SAARC is more efficient, our interventions more targeted, our delivery more result-oriented and provide tangible benefits to the people. To unlock the great potential in SAARC, we must encourage greater connectivity and technical cooperation among the people of SAARC. The realisation of the South Asian Economic Union will certainly break down many barriers to trade and act as a catalyst to boost economic prosperity in the region," his message read.

President Solih also highlighted that SAARC has helped forge a strong regional identity amongst the South Asian nations and achieved significant milestones in several priority areas as identified in the Charter. He expressed how pleased the country was to have hosted the Third Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education, the SAARC Artist Camp and Exhibition of Paintings and the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC)’s Governing Board Meeting this year.

"As we commemorate this auspicious day, I also acknowledge the foresight and vision of the founding members of SAARC, including former President His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, for their endeavouring spirit to promote regional cooperation in South Asia. Once again, I reiterate the full commitment of the Government of Maldives in consolidating stronger regional cooperation among SAARC members," the message added.