KATHMANDU, NEPAL: The chiefs of seven countries are going to be under the same roof for couple of days regarding 18th SAARC summit that will be held in Kathmandu, the capital of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

The leaders of seven countries except Nepal will stay at Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee in Tahachal.

Nepal is hosting 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit this year. It has already halted all domestic flight service from November 25 to 27 for security reasons.


The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Indian Premier Narendra Modi, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, President of Maldives Abdulla Yeameen, President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani are scheduled to stay at the hotel.

The Prime Minister of Nepal Shushil Koirala will not stay at the hotel as the country is hosting the summit. However, the chiefs of eight countries are scheduled to be present at the SAARC summit.

However, the hotel has already got a festive look. Several initiatives have been taken to welcome and cordially receive the VVIPs. The PM of Nepal Shushil Koirala is observing the preparations.

Extra security masers have been taken to ensure the safety of the South Asian leaders. Additional traffic police were seen to keep the roads ready to ply the motorcade of the states’ heads.

The government of Nepal has declared a public holiday for two days in the country.

The SAARC leaders will sit together for a sideline meeting on November 27.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is also scheduled to talk with the chiefs of other countries.

BDST: 1013 HRS, NOV 24, 2014

**SAARC observers’ cooperation in seven fields