Pakistan has decided to postpone the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on coming November 9-10.

Nepal, the Chair of SAARC, was informed about the postponement of the 19th Summit of the regional bloc by the host country, Pakistan.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here on Sunday, Nepal regretted that regional environment was not conducive to hosting the 19th SAARC Summit scheduled for 9 and 10 November 2016 in Islamabad. The host country, Pakistan, had informed the Chair of SAARC of the postponement of the 19th SAARC Summit.

As the current Chair of SAARC, Nepal underscores the need for creating a conducive regional environment for the SAARC Summit. Nepal will initiate necessary consultations on successfully holding the 19th Summit with the participation of all member states.

Nepal strongly believes that an environment of peace and stability is essential for a meaningful regional cooperation. To achieve peace and stability in the region, SAARC member states must, among others, ensure that their respective territories are not used by terrorists for cross border terrorism.

Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expresses its solidarity in the global fight against terrorism. Nepal has always condemned all acts of terrorism in our own region. Most recently, Nepal has condemned the terrorist attack on Indian army base in Uri, Kashmir on 18 September 2016, that resulted in the loss of life of Indian soldiers, added the press release. RSS