New Delhi: Inaugurating a conference of Speakers and Parliamentarians of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, Manmohan Singh stressed the need to develop a “culture” for resolving the problems of the region by the countries themselves, instead of depending on other countries.
Manmohan Singh was of the view that other countries could not solve our problems and to realize their potentials the South Asian need to solve their differences peacefully and develop the habit of solving our problems ourselves.
Manmohan Singh emphasized that India remained firmly committed to the principles and ideals of SAARC and added that India would go the “extra mile” to make it an effective organization that benefitted all the citizens of the region.
Manmohan Singh urged greater ties between the SAARC countries. He called for greater regional cooperation and for improving the quality of governance in managing natural resources, preventing land and water degradation and strengthening food, water and energy security. “SAARC Convention on Cooperation in Environment agreed upon at the SAARC summit at Thimpu in 2010 deserves to be implemented in full”, he said
The Prime Minister called for development on the basis of natural resources available in their countries rather than blindly following the western model.
“South Asia cannot afford to copy Western lifestyles. We have to tap our own genius to develop models of growth which correspond to our resource endowment and yet enable us to banish the scourge of poverty from our midst”, Manmohan added.
He observed that SAARC countries shared cultural heritage and a history dating back to many centuries. “If we act with wisdom and sagacity, we all stand to benefit” Manmohan Singh said
