\\\'Fight common problems, rather than each other: Nawaz Sharif

KATHMANDU, Nov 26 (UNB): Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif called on the SAARC member states Wednesday to fight for resolving common problems like poverty, rather than fighting against each other.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit here, he underscored Pakistan's high prioritisation of SAARC, adding that it epitomised the aspirations of the peoples of the region to advance peace, progress and prosperity.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Saarc Secretary General Arjun Bahadur Thapa also delivered their speeches at the inaugural ceremony, while Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala delivered the inaugural speech.
The Pakistani PM said his country stands with the people in enhancing the cause of regional cooperation.
"The theme of the 18th SAARC Summit -Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity - is most appropriate," Sharif said, adding it reflected a common desire and created a win-win scenario.
He expressed his happiness that SAARC is moving towards democratic transformation, no doubt with an eye towards his own country's first successful transfer of power through elections following an elected government seeing out its full term.