ISLAMABAD - Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi Sunday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad this year.
During an interview with a private news channel, he said that being a host country Pakistan would work out specific convenient dates for holding the event in consultation with other SAARC members. However, he admitted that it could probably be held in November this year.
Fatemi said as per norms a formal invitation would be hand-carried to the Indian prime minister.
About prospects for meetings between the delegations, including foreign secretaries during the summit, he said that under one roof intensive and constant meetings were expected.
About the Pathankot attack, the special assistant to the PM said that the world acknowledged Pakistan’s firm stance on terrorism and commended its attitude and policy.
He said Islamabad Declaration between Pakistan and India held ground.
He said the Joint Investigation Team would complete its probe into the Pathankot incident this week whereas the Special Investigation Team would also visit India.
Pakistan’s stance over terrorism was very clear, he added.
About the Afghan peace and reconciliation process, he said that Pakistan and China had the supportive roles and wanted Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process to proceed.
He said for holding Kabul-Taliban direct talks, they were exerting ‘very limited influence’ to convince Taliban. “We have been making it clear for both sides that there is no other option except reconciliation,” he added.
Replying to another query about upcoming Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue, Fatemi said both the countries would discuss key areas of cooperation at the ministerial-level dialogue on Monday (today).