Thimphu likely to host SAARC summit

Thimphu, May 18, 2009: Bhutan is all set to host South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in 2010. This is the first time Bhutan will host the summit since the regional body formed in 1985.

In the past, this country denied hosting the summit on grounds that it does not have adequate physical infrastructure to host such big gathering. The country had received opportunities for three times in the past.

The upcoming summit is being proposed for April 28 and 29 to be held in Thimphu but is yet to get finalized.

Bhutan received this chance after Maldives denied hosting the summit citing global recession and tourist season of the country. The summit was proposed for this November in Male.

Prime Ministry Jigmi Thinley expressed hope that this opportunity will help improve Bhutan’s relation with neighboring country under new political get up.