PM Modi calls upon SAARC countries to work together to meet the challenge of Coronavirus

Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has said that SAARC countries must prepare together, act
together and succeed together in dealing with the Coronavirus. In his opening
remarks at the video conference of all SAARC member countries to chalk out a
common strong strategy to fight the virus in the region, Mr Modi said sharing
perspectives is most valuable as it cannot be predicted with certainty how the
situation will unfold despite best efforts.

 He said so far SAARC region has fewer than 150
cases but there is a need to remain vigilant.

Prime
Minister Narendra Modi proposed the creation of a COVID 19 emergency fund based
on voluntary contribution from SAARC nations.

Mr Modi said
India is assembling a Rapid Response Team of doctors and specialists, along
with testing kits and other equipment. They will be on stand-by to be placed at
SAARC nation’s disposal, if required. Mr Modi said India has set up an
Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers
and the people they contacted.

This Disease
Surveillance software could be shared with SAARC partners. Prime Minister Modi
said, our neighbourhood collaboration should be a model for the world. He also
assured that India will do its best for its neighbours.

Maldivian
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih welcomed Mr Modi’s suggestion of setting up a
COVID Emergency Fund. He thanked India for providing general assistance to the
island.

Sri Lankan
President Gotabaya Rajapakse thanked Prime Minister Modi for offering
assistance like testing kits to regional countries.

Afghanistan
President Ashraf Ghani welcomed various new initiatives suggested by Prime
Minister Modi and suggested all countries to keep a close focus in months ahead
on the evolving situation.

Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the leaders of the SAARC countries
to set up an institution to deal with public health threats in future.

Nepal Prime
Minister KP Sharma Oli noted the importance of pooling collective wisdom to
devise a sound and effective strategy to combat the virus. The Prime Minister
of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering welcomed the setting up of COVID Relief Fund and
acknowledged the contribution of health care professionals in combating the
virus.

Pakistan
State Minister of Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza observed that his country shares the
common regional concerns on the virus.