In his address delivered at the inaugural session of the 17th SAARC Summit, the President expressed his hope that both the countries can work to resolve their core issues. "In February, India and Pakistan agreed to restart peace talks on all issues. In May, Indian parliamentarians visited Islamabad to advance the cause of peace. In July, Foreign Minister Rabbani Khar visited New Delhi. A month later, MPs from both countries met in India to continue deliberations. In September, Pakistani and Indian railway officials met to help boost connectivity and trade," he said at the eight-member regional summit that opened here in Addu. "And in the past few days, Pakistan improved trade links by deciding to grant India the status of Most Favoured Nation. Today, the Pakistani and Indian Prime Ministers met in the lovely setting of the Shangri La in the Maldives." President Nasheed stressed that the recent developments in Indo-Pak relations are extremely welcome and expressed hope that all political parties in India and Pakistan applaud the encouraging moves. "I hope this summit will be enthused with optimism," he said. The President, who also assumed the Chair of the 17th SAARC Summit today, noted that much more work needs to be done to bridge the divides that currently separate the SAARC countries, economies and the people. "Firstly, trade, transport and economic integration. Secondly, cooperation on security issues such as piracy and climate change. Thirdly, good governance," he said. Concluding his address, President Nasheed said that the fundamentals of South Asia are strong as the countries have young, energetic populations who live in a region of vibrant democracies with strong civil societies. "As our economies race ahead, our political importance increases ever more. Let us not be held back by history or convention. Let us be the leaders our people want us to be. Let us change our region for the better. Let us change the world," he added.