Bhutan has cited security reasons for its inability to participate in the SAARC summit to be held in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad in November, this year.
A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said the government of Bhutan has expressed its concern to the current SAARC Chair, Nepal that the deteriorating security situation in the region has created an environment which is not conducive for successful holding of the summit.
“As one of the founding members of SAARC, the royal government of Bhutan is strongly committed to the SAARC process and strengthening of regional cooperation and is hopeful that the situation would return to normalcy to enable early and successful convening of the 19th SAARC summit.”