ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said it is Pakistan’s ardent desire to promote peace and cooperation in South Asia for which security and stability are pre-requisites. He was talking to Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Mohamed Asim who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday. Nawaz said Pakistan attaches great importance to SAARC and wishes to see it as a vibrant regional organisation. He added that Pakistan is committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter. The PM said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Maldives and both countries are bound in fraternal ties of common faith, mutual understanding and respect. The PM said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with Maldives. “Both countries are bound in fraternal ties of common faith, mutual understanding and respect. We need to work for enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries,” he stressed. He added that it was encouraging to note the growing parliamentary cooperation between Maldives and Pakistan. “The visit of our Chairman Senate to Maldives last year, is a testimony of strengthened parliamentary ties.”