"Today, there is a realisation amongst SAARC countries that it is only by cooperating within SAARC that we will be able to strengthen ourselves individually and as a region and address the many common challenges that face us," he said in a statement.
The meet will also discuss how to deal with the scourge of terrorism that was affecting several of the eight member countries, particularly India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Besides these countries, SAARC also comprises Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan.
Referring to the 14th SAARC Summit held in New Delhi last year, Dr Singh said that the member states of the grouping had agreed to move the regional body from a 'phase of declaration to a phase of implementation and action'.
India is pressing for the legal framework for cooperation in tackling terrorism, particularly in the wake of the July 7 Kabul attack, which has trans-national linkages.
Image: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his counterpart Makdoom Shah Mohamood Qureshi of Pakistan make a joint statement after an hour-long bilateral meeting during the sidelines of SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo on Thursday.
Also see: PM calls for SAARC unity to combat challenges
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