What was the outcome of the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu?
In a word, disappointing. The theme of the summit was “Deeper Integration for peace and prosperity.” But member countries failed to sign two major agreements on rail and road connectivity. The pact on energy, however, was signed, and will enable greater cooperation in the power sector.
The 36-point concluding Kathmandu Declaration, released on November 27, states that members will continue their efforts to intensify regional cooperation on connectivity, renew their commitment to a South Asian Economic Union, strengthen the Social Window of the SAARC Development Fund, and reiterate their commitment to free South Asia from poverty.