The fifth meeting of Information Ministers’ of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries kicked off in the Nepali capital Monday.

His Majesty King Gyanendra inaugurated the meeting amidst a special ceremony organised at the Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) this morning.

Her Majesty Queen Komal, chiefs of constitutional bodies, ministers and heads and members of delegations were present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, Minister for Information and Communications Tanka Dhakal said in view of rampant poverty of South Asia, sharing of information in various aspects of development activities in the region could be instrumental in harnessing our potential.

Minister Dhakal said terrorism continues to be a major irritant for most of us. He said a strong mechanism for all SAARC nations for mutually sharing information on criminal activities could enable them to fight the menace of terrorism within and outside the member countries.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary General of SAARC, Chenkyab Dorji, said information and communication technologies were vital tools in the process of socio-economic development. He said digital revolution holds great promise for economic development and growth of our countries. He said information technology (IT) can have a major impact in social development by facilitating distance learning at a low cost and by generating employment opportunities and wealth.

Delivering vote of thanks, Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Lokman Singh Karki defended the royal takeover of February 1. He said the whole nation was looking at His Majesty the King to bring the situation to normalcy. Karki further said the royal move was taken within the ambit of the country’s constitution.

Information Ministers and Secretaries from seven South Asian nations are taking part in the two-day meeting that will conclude on Tuesday. nepalnews.com by Aug 29 05