Commencing his introductory visit to Pakistan, H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, the Secretary General, participated today in the interactive session on "Reinvigorating SAARC" organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). In his remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the efforts in moving ahead in the defined areas of cooperation; elucidated on accomplishments so far as well as firm commitment from the Member States for the SAARC process; emphasized the role of think-tanks and opinion makers in building positive opinion on regional cooperation; and underscored the need to revitalize SAARC. The interactive session was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions of SAARC Member States, representatives from think-tanks, media and distinguished personalities having expertise in regional affairs. IRS is Islamabad-based eminent think-tank currently presided by Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

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Secretary General of SAARC H.E. Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar inaugurated as Chief Guest today a painting exhibition at Siddhartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu. Entitled "From Mountains to the Delta", the exhibition features paintings by eminent artists from Nepal and Bangladesh.

In his brief remarks, Secretary General, highlighting the close cultural connection shared by the countries in South Asia, stated that SAARC encourages initiatives that promote linkages among the peoples.
The exhibition is organised by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu together with Siddhartha Art Gallery and will remain open till 10 May 2024.

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During the three-day official visit to Nepal, the Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) of the People's Republic of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen paid a courtesy visit to the SAARC Secretariat on 17 April 2024. H. E. Mr. Masud had served as Director at the SAARC Secretariat from July 2001 to July 2004 and currently, he is the member from Bangladesh to the SAARC Standing Committee.

Upon arrival at the SAARC Secretariat, the visiting Foreign Secretary was received by the Officer- In –Charge and welcome was also accorded by the SAARC Directors. The Secretariat organized a High tea at the Secretariat in honour of the visiting dignitary.

 

The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by H.E. the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu.

SAARC Secretariat

Kathmandu

17 April 2024

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Secretary General of SAARC, Ambassador Golam Sarwar undertook an official visit to

the United States and paid a courtesy call on H.E. António Guterres, Secretary General

of the United Nations in the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 08 April 2024.

At the outset, Secretary General Guterres welcomed Ambassador Sarwar and expressed

desire of the United Nations to strengthen cooperation with SAARC, which represents the

“Large Chunk of Global Population”.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sarwar appreciated UN Secretary General for

United Nations’ steadfast commitment and support to SAARC, which is an Observer

Organisation of the United Nations since 2004.

The visiting Secretary General of SAARC had extensive discussions on further

strengthening of relations between SAARC and United Nations in multiple areas of mutual

interest especially Climate Change, Food Security and Renewable Energy collaborations.

While highlighting that SAARC has signed Memorandums of Understating(MoUs) with

UN agencies including UNDP, FAO, UNEP, UNISDR, UNESCAP, UNTAD, UNICEF,

UNESCO, WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA and UNWOMEN, Ambassador Sarwar further stated

that several of these MoUs need to be updated taking the account of present context in

order to augment the existing ties between two parties.

Given the potential of reinforcing project-based collaboration between both organizations,

Ambassador Sarwar proposed a joint meeting of the SAARC Secretariat and UN

Agencies in Kathmandu at the SAARC Secretariat, in the near future as a brainstorming

session to identify forthcoming areas for further collaboration.

Welcoming the proposal, Secretary General Guterres emphasized on the elevation of the

cooperation between SAARC and the United Nations. He also instantly instructed his

office to connect the SAARC Secretariat with relevant officials of the United Nations

Headquarters for the sake of effective Sectoral Cooperation.

With a view to boost the effectiveness and sustainability of the Secretariat, Ambassador

Sarwar explored the avenues for capacity building opportunities for the officials of the

SAARC Secretariat.

Secretary General Guterres assured continued UN support and assistance toward

SAARC and both dignitaries during the meeting agreed to work closely to further enhance

the existing ties between SAARC and UN in the coming years.

 

SAARC Secretariat

Kathmandu

09 April 2024

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