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Wednesday, August 06, 2008 - 7.15 GMT
Engaging with SAARC positive step forward – Australian FM

 
Engaging regularly with South Asia 's premier regional body is a positive step forward, said Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, issuing a press statement Monday (4) on the outcome of Australia ’s participation at the SAARC Summit as an observer.

"Australia enjoys strong defence and counter-terrorism links with South Asia. We need to do more with our engagement in South Asia,” he said adding that "observer status at SAARC will enable Australia to annually engage South Asian governments at the highest levels".

According to IANS, 280,000 people migrating permanently to Australia from SAARC countries and nearly 93,000 South Asian students enrolled in Australian educational institutions last year, people-to-people links between Australia and SAARC member countries have been growing During 2007-2008, Australia will be providing development assistance to South Asia to the tune of around $220 million.




 
 
   
   
   
   

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Last modified: July 22, 2009.

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