Bhutan set for April SAARC summit

Bhutan is all set for hosting the 16th SAARC summit slated for April 28-29 with the Capital Thimpu becoming “cleaner and greene” living upto this year’s theme of “conservation of environment and climate.”

Bhutan Foreign Secretary Daw Penjo has said that the country has completed its preparation for hosting the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Daily Star reported.

His comment came during Daw’s meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes.

“The two foreign secretaries also reviewed the progress in implementing the decisions taken during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Bhutan,” it said.

Daw Penjo sought Bangladesh's support for his country's proposals to take a coordinated regional stance on climate change, it added.

The theme of this year's SAARC summit is "conservation of environment and climate."

And, media reports coming from Bhutan said that the Thimpu city is now on a cleanliness drive ahead of the April summit.

“Thimphu City Corporation with the help of volunteers and support from Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has started a campaign to make the city cleaner and greener,” media reports said.

It said the city will be much “cleaner and greener” by late April.

Meanwhile, it’s the Maldives’ turn to nominate a secretary general for the SAARC this year.
Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has said that the country will nominate a women candidate for the post.

When endorsed, this will be the first time, the key post is held by a woman.

The Maldives also has been in the forefront, calling the world’s attention to it plight due to climate change.

With many of its islands standing barely 1.5 meters from the sea level, the country is in danger of being submerged due to rising temperatures.

- Asian Tribune -