Zia has also been honoured by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for his statesmanship and vision.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is an economic cooperation organisation in the region.

Full title: South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation.

He had been the secretary-general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation from March 1, 2005 to February 29, 2008.

In 1985, Dhaka hosted the inaugural summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

As the capital city it has hosted a number of important meetings, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit.

December: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit held.

During the 16th South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation, security was tightened after threats by the Maoists.

The meeting - of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - will not address Kashmir.