SAARC to discuss visa relaxation, counter-terrorism measures

Member countries of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will meet in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, over the next four days to discuss ways to relax visa norms and take forward various other initiatives, including cooperation in fight against terrorism.

The SAARC foreign secretaries will meet in Thimpu for two days beginning tomorrow to prepare the groundwork ahead of the ministerial meeting to be held on 8 and 9 February.

The secretaries meeting will take stock of the various initiatives aimed at cooperation in security, forging greater connectivity and economic integration.

Joint secretaries in-charge of SAARC met today to finetune the agenda. The secretaries will finalise a report that will be considered by the meeting of council of ministers to be held on 8, 9 February.

The proposals includes expanding the list of people from various fields of life to be exempted from visa requirement for travel within eight SAARC member countries.

At present MPs, judges, 100 identified business leaders, sportspersons and 150 journalists are allowed to use the SAARC visa exemption facility.