Discussing climate change with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Mohamed Nasheed has said SAARC position on climate change should benefit all the countries in this region.

Speaking at the meeting held at the “Afghanistan House” in SAARC Village, President Karzai’s residence during the Summit, President Nasheed emphasized the importance of a common SAARC position on climate change in international community.

President Nasheed also highlighted on the importance of promoting trade through the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).

Elaborating on the effects of climate change on Afghanistan, President Karzai said Afghanistan was a previously water rich country, but due to climate change the country now experience extended droughts every year.

Both Presidents discussed on ways to tackle terrorism and religious extremism that are widely spread in this region.

President Mohamed Nasheed also met with Japanese Parliamentary Vice President Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Chinami Nishimura. The meeting was held at the “Maldives House” in SAARC Village, the President’s residence during the Summit.

Speaking at the meeting, Ms Chinami Nishimura highlighted on the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and spoke on the ways to strengthen these relations. She also noted President Nasheeds initiative to bring about democratic reform to Maldives and said that this has accelerated under the President’s leadership.

During the discussions, President Nasheed said Japanese assistance was instrumental in enabling the Maldives’ graduation from the list of least developed countries. President also noted that Japanese Prime Minister was one of the few leaders who supported Maldives’ stand during Copenhagen climate talks.

He further sought Japanese expertise and assistance in developing Maldivian fisheries industry and to undertake a study the reasons for the decline in fish catches.