KATHMONDU: Dhaka is keen to set up the main office here when SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has decided to merge its four offices -- Forestry Centre, Disaster Management Centre, Coastal Zone Management Centre and Meteorological Research Centre.

Dhaka has expressed the willingness to house the merged office as SAARC Meteorological Research Centre (SMRC), the most vital office among the four, is situated here.

In the meantime India, Bhutan, Pakistan and Maldives have also shown eagerness to set up the office in their country at a joint secretary level meeting of SAARC on Saturday.

Besides, SAARC is going to stop operation of Information Centre (SIC), Nepal, Human Resources Development Centre (SHRDC), Islamabad, Pakistan and Documentation Centre (SDC), New Delhi, India.

The 18th SAARC summit has started with the meeting and it will continue till November 27 with participation of member countries.

The summit will discuss issues ranging from counter terrorism, peace and security in the region to agriculture and rural development along with poverty alleviation, food security and health.

SAARC leaders will then attend the last two day of the summit and will witness the signing of three different SAARC-level agreements related to enhancing connectivity within the region.

** SAARC prog committee meeting underway

BDST: 1808 HRS, NOV 22, 2014