'We must jointly fight poverty, illiteracy; not each other': Nawaz Sharif at SAARC Summit

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in his inaugural speech at the 18th annual SAARC Summit on Wednesday, said all South Asian countries must collectively fight poverty and malnutrition instead of fighting with each other.

"My vision is of a dispute free South Asia, in which we should stop fighting among ourselves and jointly fight illiteracy, poverty and malnourishment," Sharif said while addressing the annual South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit here.

"The gap between promise of SAARC and reality of its accomplishments need to be bridged. We should build on the convergences and seek complementarities for greater good of the people of South Asia," he added.

Sharif praised the theme of this year's Summit, 'Deeper Regional Integration for Peace and Prosperity', saying it reflected a common desire to get a win-win situation.

"The theme selected for 18th SAARC summit is very important. The theme is most appropriate and reflects our common desire in reaching out to get a win-win situation," Sharif said.

The Pakistani Prime Minister also emphasized on the role of observers in SAARC and called for opening trans-regional pipelines connecting South Asia and Central Asia.

He further congratulated the Government of Nepal for successfully holding the summit.

"I congratulate the Government of Nepal for successfully holding the SAARC Summit. From the people of Pakistan to the People of SAARC region, I bring warm greetings and sentiments of goodwill and friendship," Sharif added.