The Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday described as unfortunate the postponement of the 13th summit of the seven-nation South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc). The February 6-7 South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation summit in Dhaka was postponed after India said it would not attend, citing security situation in Bangladesh and political developments in Nepal.
Bangladesh strongly reacted to the Indian decision, terming it unwarranted and unexpected. Before the abrupt Indian move, Nepalese monarch had said he would personally attend the conference.
Shaukat Aziz, current South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation Chairman, told reporters here that Pakistan was in contact with the member states to agree on a new date for the summit, which is postponed.
He said the postponement of Saarc conference would have a negative impact but emphasised that contacts among member countries should not be affected and the Saarc mission should move forward.
Shaukat said Pakistan has longstanding relations with Nepal and "we support the unity, independence and territorial integrity of Nepal."
"Pakistan is with the government and people of Nepal. We uphold the principles of non-interference and Pakistan will continue its all possible help and assistance for the economic progress of Nepal," he said.
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