President urges revival of SAARC cooperation on Charter Day

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged South Asian nations to reinvigorate cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as the organisation marks the 40th anniversary of its founding charter.

In a message to the SAARC Secretary-General, the President stressed the need to rebuild trust among member states and resume the SAARC Summit, which has been on hold since 2014. He said that advancing regional collaboration is key to unlocking shared development opportunities.

The President underlined several areas where coordinated regional action is increasingly necessary, including climate adaptation, renewable energy transitions, public health resilience, food security and economic inclusion. He added that SAARC’s institutional framework must evolve to remain efficient and responsive to the region’s needs.

Reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to the association, President Muizzu said the country supports a more cohesive and forward-looking SAARC that prioritises common interests and contributes to long-term regional stability.

SAARC Charter Day, observed annually on 8 December, commemorates the establishment of the organisation in 1985 to promote cooperation among South Asian nations.