ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says it is Pakistan’s ardent desire to promote peace and cooperation in South Asia for which security and stability are pre-requisites.

He was talking to Foreign Minister of Maldives Dr Mohamed Asim who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan attached great importance to SAARC and wishes to see it as a vibrant regional organization and is committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Maldives and both countries are bound in fraternal ties of common faith, mutual understanding and respect.

Mohamed Asim expressed the hope to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.—INP