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SAARC LEADERS-VIDEOCONFERENCE
SAARC leaders to join videoconference on coronavirus tomorrow
DHAKA, March 14, 2020 (BSS) – The top leaders of the SAARC nations are set to join a videoconference tomorrow to devise a strong strategy to fight the lethal coronavirus.
“The heads of state or government of the seven South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries will join a videoconference at 5.30 pm Bangladesh time following a proposal of Indian Premier Narendra Modi to chalk out a strong strategy to combat the deadly coronavirus also known as COVIT-19,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told a press briefing at State Guest House “Padma” in the city tonight.
The foreign minister said the heads of state or government of seven SAARC countries including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Premier Narendra Modi will participate in the videoconference.
He, however, said the Pakistan health adviser will join the videoconference on behalf of his country.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were present at the press briefing.
On Friday, the Indian premier proposed that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus. “We could discuss, via videoconference, ways to keep our citizens healthy,” he tweeted.
Modi also said, “Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet as our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus”.
In response to Modi’s tweet, the leaders of SARRC nations including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed the proposal of the Indian premier and gave their consent to join the videoconference.
“Our honourable prime minister termed the proposal of Indian Premier Narendra Modi as a good one and gave her consent to join a videoconference with other heads of SAARC countries to chalk out a strong strategy to combat the COVIT-19,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told BSS on Friday evening.
Hours after Modi’s tweet message, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Riva Gangualy Das went to the Bangladesh foreign minister’s residence to hand over the formal proposal of the Indian premier about the videoconference.
“I conveyed the message to honourable prime minister and she told me that if all the South Asian countries leaders participate, she is willing to join the videoconference,” Momen said.
According to latest media reports 5,619 people have so far died and 150,649 others have been infected by the coronavirus outbreak that had spread over 149 countries and territories.
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