No 'structured meeting' between Nawaz and Modi, says Sartaj

Published November 26, 2014
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif walks past Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 18th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in Katmandu. -AP Photo
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif walks past Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 18th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in Katmandu. -AP Photo

KATHMANDU: Though Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have been under one roof at the Saarc Summit, Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday dismissed chances of any “structured meeting” between the two.

Briefing newsmen accompanying the prime minister to the summit, Aziz said the two leaders would again be in one room on Thursday. He, however, categorically dismissed chances of any formal meeting.

Sartaj Aziz regretted that the momentum initiated during the prime minister's visit to New Delhi was not maintained by India.

Pakistan expressed its “displeasure” over the “unilateral cancellation” of foreign secretary-level talks and said it was always ready for dialogue, but wanted India to take the initiative, as it was the one who called off the scheduled talks.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his way to Kathmandu said the ball was now in India's court for the resumption of talks.

Read also: India should take initiative to resume talks: PM

Sharif, who flew into the Nepalese capital on Tuesday, arrived hours after the Indian prime minister had landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Both the leaders are staying at Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel and were at the same venue during the opening of the 18th Summit.

They will be again together at the Megha Malhar Banquet Hall during the cultural event and banquet by the Nepalese prime minister.

However, a senior diplomat said there were no chances of serious discussions.

The Saarc leaders will also be meeting informally on Thursday at the retreat planned at Dhulikhel, 30 kilometres from Kathmandu.

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