Charter

Dignitaries light a thousand butter lamps at Dechenphodrang Lhakhang yesterday

Staff Reporter 

Bhutan observed the 36th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day yesterday with the lighting of a thousand butter lamps at Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, according to a press release from the foreign affairs ministry.

SAARC was established with the signing of its Charter on December 8, 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The primary objective of SAARC is the acceleration of economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through cooperation.

Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji, the chief guest at the event, thanked the Indian government for taking the lead to organise the SAARC Leaders’ Video Conference in March 2020 and for the establishment of the SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

Lyonpo thanked the Governments of Bangladesh and India for their support and assistance in Bhutan’s effort to fight the pandemic.

Lyonpo expressed hope that the SAARC Member States can turn the current health crisis into an opportunity to create more equal, sustainable and resilient societies in South Asia.

“Bhutan will continue to work with all the Member States to contribute towards realising the shared dreams and aspirations of the people of South Asia,” states the press release.

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