Dorji, who came here on a three-day visit, emphasised holding ministerial level meetings in priority areas as well as other Saarc meetings.

Reaz stressed that every effort should be made to maintain the momentum generated at the last summit in Pakistan.

He said that implementation of the SAFTA agreement and other trade and investment facilitation measures should be pursued vigorously. He also noted that regional cooperation efforts should focus on priority areas like poverty alleviation and social development.

Earlier, Dorji had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin During the meeting all major issues before the Saarc were discussed.

The Foreign Secretary focussed on implementation of commitments and decisions of the forum. He noted that efforts should be made at finalisaing the regional agreements on arbitration and investment.

Hemayet underlined that these agreements are essential for realisation of the free trade area. He assured Dorji of his fullest support and cooperation in carrying out his mission as Saarc secretary general.

The Secretary General expressed agreement on these priorities and the need to keep the momentum of the regional cooperation process.

Dorji will call on Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan today.

During his stay here, he will visit the Saarc Agricultural Information Centre (SAIC) and the Saarc Meteorological Research Centre (SMRC).