New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for a united plan of action by SAARC nations to combat the deadly coronavirus outbreak and proposed that a strong strategy could be discussed via video conferencing on “ways to keep our citizens healthy.”
The prime minister also said that all SAARC countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka– can set an example to the world in their fight with COVID-19.
“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet,” he tweeted.
I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.
We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy.
Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2020
In another tweet, the PM called for efforts to keep people away from the virus in South Asia which has a significant amount of the world’s population.
“Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it. South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy,” he said in the tweet.
Moments after PM’s call for an action plan, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked Modi for his initiative and said his country was ready to join in the discussion and share its learning in the matter.
Thank you for the great initiative Shri @narendramodi – #LKA is ready to join the discussion & share our learnings & best practices and to learn from other #SAARC members. Let’s unite in solidarity during these trying times and keep our citizens safe. https://t.co/fAiT5w3O8D
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) March 13, 2020
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also thanked PM Modi for this “important endeavor”.
Thank you PM @narendramodi for taking the initiative on this important endeavor. Covid 19 requires collective effort to defeat it. Maldives welcomes this proposal and would fully support such a regional effort. https://t.co/2fxQxe9w1h
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) March 13, 2020
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also welcomed the prime minister’s idea and said that his government was ready to work closely with SAARC members to protect people from this disease.
I welcome the idea advanced by Prime Minister Modiji @narendramodi for chalking out a strong strategy by the leadership of the SAARC nations to fight Coronavirus. My government is ready to work closely with SAARC Member States to protect our citizens from this deadly disease.
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) March 13, 2020
Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering also lauded PM Modi’s initiative, saying “this is what we call leadership”.
I welcome the idea advanced by Prime Minister Modiji @narendramodi for chalking out a strong strategy by the leadership of the SAARC nations to fight Coronavirus. My government is ready to work closely with SAARC Member States to protect our citizens from this deadly disease.
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) March 13, 2020
Later in the evening, Bangladesh state minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam also
conveyed that Bangla Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has welcomed the proposal and looks forward to a constructive dialogue with PM Modi.
HPM Sheikh Hasina welcomes the proposal and look forward to a constructive dialogue with @narendramodi @ibusolih @PM_Nepal @PMBhutan @GotabayaR n others HOSs/HOGs who already consented to discuss way forward at this testing time for the region and the world. https://t.co/62Jl506UsI
— Md. Shahriar Alam (@MdShahriarAlam) March 13, 2020
The PM’s initiative was welcomed by the Afghan Government as well.
The Afghan Government strongly welcomes the proposal of HE The Prime Minister of India and readiness of the other SAARC members to work together devising a unified strategy to fight the Coronavirus in the region. https://t.co/vhzRcdNVWi
— Sediq Sediqqi (@SediqSediqqi) March 13, 2020
The PM had yesterday also urged the people not to panic amid the coronavirus outbreak and rather take precautions to save themselves as well as others.
