SINGH-GILANI 2LST

Rao made it clear that there was no change in India's
position that "dialogue represents a concrete method to move
forward in our relationship" with Pakistan.
"And that is the approach we took at the recent
FS-level talks with Pakistan. There is no change in that
position," she said.
Singh will meet Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who
will arrive here on April 26 on his way to Bhutan. The Prime
Minister is expected to convey India's concern over the
Taliban targeting Indians in that country.
"We are constantly vigilant and seized of the matter,"
Rao said when asked about reports of fresh security threats to
Indians in Afghanistan.
On the Summit, Rao said it was being held for the
first time in Bhutan and marks the 25 years of establishment
of SAARC.
Two agreements will be signed at the Summit relating
to environment and trade in services, she said.
The Trade in Services pact will enable the realization
of the region’s immense potential in areas such as health,
hospitality, communications, computer and information services
and air transport.
The SAARC Convention on Environment was expected to
promote cooperation among the member countries in the field of
environment and sustainable development.
She said the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Secretariat,
proposed by India in 2008, will be inaugurated in the
forthcoming Summit.
The Summit is also expected to endorse the rules,
regulations, academic and business plans of the South Asian
University in New Delhi.
Over the years, SAARC has emerged as a model of
regional cooperation in dealing with issues of regional
concern such as poverty, food security, trafficking in women
and children, terrorism and drugs. PTI PYK
AHM



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