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South Asian countries have agreed to conclude regional railway agreement and convene an expert group meeting on motor vehicle agreement to pave the way for greater connectivity in the region.

A 20-point 'Addu Declaration' was adopted by the SAARC member-nations on Friday, the concluding day of the 17th SAARC summit, held in the southern Maldivian atoll of Addu.

Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghan president Hamid Karzai, Bhutanese prime minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley, Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, Nepalese prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, Pakistan prime minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa met in Addu city on Nov 10-11 for the summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Top leaders agreed in the declaration that both events would take place before the next meeting of SAARC council of ministers.

They also consented for an early demonstration run of a Bangladesh-India-Nepal container train.

The SAARC finance ministers were directed to find out ways for greater flow of financial capital and intra-regional long-term investment.

They were also asked for more efforts to fully and effectively implement SAFTA and to work on shortening the sensitive list.

The declaration also seeks early resolution of the non-tariff barriers and expediting the process of harmonising standards and customs procedures.

The top leaders welcomed the theme of the Summit – Building Bridges - and recognised the importance of bridging differences.

They also recognised the need for creating better understanding, and promoting amity, and mutually beneficial and comprehensive cooperation in order to promote effective linkages and connectivity for greater movement of people, enhanced investment and trade in the region.

Destination South Asia

The South Asian leader agreed to hold the 12th SAARC trade fair and travel and tourism fair in the Maldives next year.

They also directed to develop modalities by involving private sector for promotion of the region globally as "Destination South Asia."

The secretary-general of SAARC has also been directed to ensure completion of the preparatory work on the Indian Ocean cargo and passenger ferry service by year-end to launch the service.

Power cooperation

The declaration also instructs the officials concerned to conclude the work relating to SAARC market for electricity.

Conclusion of the inter-governmental framework agreement for energy cooperation and conducting a study on the regional power exchange concept have also been laid emphasis on in the declaration.

It also urged to make available an appropriate percentage of national income towards the respective countries' renewable energy investments, subject to the approval of national arrangements.

Counterterrorism cooperation

The top leaders also agreed to root out terrorism and to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat terrorism.

They called for an early conclusion of the proposed UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and completion of the ratification of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

To combat maritime piracy, they agreed to work together.