What are the principals of SAARC?

Answer 1

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political organization of eight countries in Southern Asia. It was established on December 8, 1985 by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. In April 2007, at the Association's 14th summit, Afghanistan became its eighth member.

Answer 2

The features of SAARC: To improve the welfare and quality of life of the people of South Asia, To speed up economic growth, social progress and cultural development, To build a mutual trust and understanding of the problems of the people, To strengthen relations with other countries.

Answer 3

PRINCIPLES

- Cooperation within the framework of the Association is based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and mutual benefit.

- Such cooperation is to complement and not to substitute bilateral or multilateral cooperation.

- Such cooperation should be consistent with bilateral and multilateral obligations of the member states.

- Decisions at all levels in SAARC are taken on the basis of unanimity.

- Bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from its deliberations.