SAARC speakers and parliamentarians conference begins in Maldives

The seventh Conference of the Association of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Speakers and Parliamentarians has begun in Maldives today.

A meeting of the legislatures’ women’s committees kicked off the conference this morning. The session saw discussions on political empowerment of women in South Asia, and was participated by parliamentarians from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The session chaired by Maldives parliamentarian Machangoalhi-north MP Maria Ahmed Didi. Maldives was also represented by Maduvvari MP Visam Ali.

Session of the Secretaries General was also held at Bandos Island Resort today. The meeting was chaired by Secretary General of the Maldives Parliament Ahmed Mohamed and heard discussions on administrative and finance obstacles faced by the legislative bodies.

The inauguration of the 7th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speaker and Parliamentarians is scheduled for evening today. President Abdulla Yameen is expected to participate in the ceremony.