Despite tensions prevailing between India and Pakistan over Indian government revoking special status to Jammu and Kashmir, both neighbors have decided to take part in the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Council of Ministers meeting at Foreign Minister level scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next month.
“The participation of India and Pakistan in the meeting led by Nepal can result in some positives,” officials familiar with the development told the Kathmandu Post.
“India and Pakistan have already sent their agreement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu,” the officials added.
India being the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will take part in the future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.
Nepal though not issued any official statement regarding this, the Foreign Minister Gyawali told the media earlier this month that both the nations should engage in dialogue for regional peace and stability.
“It is an informal meeting, and no structured agendas are being tabled,” Arjun Bahadur Thapa, former secretary-general of SAARC, was quoted as saying.
