Pakistan will host the 19th summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in Islamabad.
Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif made the announcement on Thursday, closing day of the two-day summit, reported several Pakistani newspapers.
“Pakistan was pleased to host the next Saarc Summit in Islamabad,” Nawaz said.
Pakistan on Wednesday stalled inking of Saarc connectivity agreements, including the motor vehicle pact, saying it was yet to complete its “internal process,” despite strong push from India and Sri Lanka.
Although disappointed with Pakistan’s stance, India did not give up its pursuit for regional connectivity, initiating bilateral deals with other flexible Saarc countries such as Tuesday’s Motor Vehicle Agreement with Nepal, sources said.
Later on Thursday, the Saarc nations agreed to sign the energy deal. They also agreed to give three months time for approval of regional motor vehicle and railway agreements.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit kicked off in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu yesterday morning, with the theme “Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity.”
Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala inaugurated the two-day regional jamboree at the City Hall, when the Maldives handed over chairmanship to Nepal. This is the third time that Nepal is hosting the Summit after 2002 and 1987.
The leaders of the eight member countries spoke in the inaugural session. Nine observers from China, USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, Iran and the European Union are also attending the Summit.
