Fight Against Coronavirus Unites SAARC Nations Including Pakistan After PM Modi Urged Everyone
United we stand, divided we fall!
In a bid to devise a strategy to fight the novel coronavirus, prime minister Narendra Modi reached out to the South Asian Association Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations.
PM Modi proposed formulation of a joint strategy by SAARC nations to fight the coronavirus, a suggestion promptly backed by all member states, including Pakistan, in contrast to earlier reports suggesting that the nation has not supported the move.
PM Modi called on SAARC members to set an example for the world. He reached out to the eight-member regional grouping and pitched for a video conference among the leaders to chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus, which has killed nearly 5,000 people globally.
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.
¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.
Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it.
¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy.
His appeal got a prompt response from Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Afghan government, all of whom welcomed the proposal.
In a late night response, Pakistan responded positively to the proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for the video conference of leadership of SAARC countries to discuss how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The threat of #COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional level. We have communicated that SAPM on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of #SAARC member countries on the issue.
¡ª Spokesperson ?? MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) March 13, 2020
In a series of tweets, PM Modi said,"our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy."
He further said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet."
Welcoming the proposal, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka was ready to join the discussion, share its learning and best practices as well as to learn from other SAARC members.
Thank you for the great initiative Shri @narendramodi - #LKA is ready to join the discussion & share our learnings & best practices and to learn from other #SAARC members. Let¡¯s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe. https://t.co/fAiT5w3O8D
¡ª Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) March 13, 2020
"Thank you for the great initiative Narendra Modi -- Lanka is ready to join the discussion and share our learnings and best practices and to learn from other SAARC members. Let's unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe," Rajapaksa said in a tweet.
Nepalese Prime Minister Oli also tweeted "I welcome the idea advanced by Prime Minister Modiji for chalking out a strong strategy by the leadership of the SAARC nations to fight coronavirus. My government is ready to work closely with SAARC member states to protect our citizens from this deadly disease," Oli tweeted.
I welcome the idea advanced by Prime Minister Modiji @narendramodi for chalking out a strong strategy by the leadership of the SAARC nations to fight Coronavirus. My government is ready to work closely with SAARC Member States to protect our citizens from this deadly disease.
¡ª KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) March 13, 2020
"Thank you PM Narendra Modi for taking the initiative on this important endeavour. COVID-19 requires collective effort to defeat it. The Maldives welcomes this proposal and would fully support such a regional effort," Maldivian PM Solih said.
The Bhutanese prime minister said, "This is what we call leadership. As members of this region, we must come together in such times."
"Smaller economies are hit harder, so we must coordinate. With your leadership, I have no doubt we will see immediate and impactful outcome. Looking forward to the video conference," he said.
Bangladesh's minister of state for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam said Prime Minister Hasina welcomes the proposal and looks forward to a constructive dialogue with Modi, Solih, Oli, Tsering, Rajapaksa and Heads of state and government who already consented to discuss the way forward at this testing time for the region and the world.
Spokesperson for the President of Afghanistan Sediq Sediqqi said the Afghan government strongly welcomes the proposal of Modi and the readiness of the other SAARC members to work together devising a unified strategy to fight the coronavirus in the region.
Afghanistan Embassy's Charg¨¦ d'Affaires said, "In response to the timely call of Prime Minister Modi to create a robust strategy for SAARC aiming at tackling COVID2019, I would like to acknowledge his call. United we stand, divided we fall!"
