Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade RGOB
On behalf of the people and Royal Government of Bhutan, it gives me great pleasure to extend our warmest greetings and felicitations on the happy and auspicious occasion of the 25th Anniversary of SAARC Charter Day.
As a founding member, Bhutan attaches high importance to the purposes and principles of the SAARC Charter. The hosting of the Sixteenth SAARC Summit in Thimphu in April of this, the Silver Jubilee year of SAARC, was a special honour for Bhutan. Since its establishment in 1985, the SAARC process has grown from strength to strength based on our shared values, beliefs and aspirations. The regional will to cooperate in many important areas under the framework of SAARC has manifested itself in a number of landmark developments. This has served to provide greater impetus and vitality to the SAARC process.
As we commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of our Association, it is a fitting occasion to celebrate the significant achievements made by SAARC in the economic, social and cultural fields. Our combined efforts have steadily evolved SAARC into a strong and valuable forum for Regional Cooperation and we must continue to nurture the common bonds of friendship that bind us together as a Region. In Bhutan, we will be observing this special occasion with the National Assembly of Bhutan adopting a Resolution re-iterating Bhutan’s strong commitment towards SAARC and its seriousness in supporting a strong regional organisation which works for a harmonious and prosperous South Asia.
I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the Royal Government of Bhutan to the SAARC process and look forward to working closely with all other Member States to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of our peoples.
