South Asian nations vow to jointly fight terrorism:SAARC Summit

Delegates from eight South Asian countries will be gathering at a weekend summit in the Sri Lankan capital, at which the countries will discuss on terrorism and mutual co–operation between borders.

The countries attending are those facing violent insurgencies, including India and Afghanistan, which is expected to put pressure on Pakistan to combat extremism.

Foreign ministers from the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation also approved draft agreements on Thursday on launching a regional development fund of US$307 million and a food bank amid skyrocketing food prices, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told reporters.

The summit, which represents one–fifth of the world’s population and many of its most impoverished, is comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday left for Colombo to attend the summit beginning on Saturday, during which terrorism is expected to be one of the main topics of discussion.

India maintains that terrorism was a common threat that needs to be dealt collectively by all the SAARC nations.

"Today, there is a realisation amongst SAARC countries that it is only by cooperating within SAARC that we will be able to strengthen ourselves individually and as a region and address the many common challenges that face us," Singh said in a statement.

The upcoming summit is expected to see progress on the proposal for setting up a SAARC Food Bank aimed at meeting the requirements of the member countries in the time of need.