Introduction
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has held 18 summits since its inception in 1985. These summits are the highest policy-making meetings of the organization. While the 19th summit was scheduled for 2016, it remains postponed.
Main Content
- The first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in December 1985.
- Nepal has hosted three summits: the 3rd (1987), 11th (2002), and 18th (2014).
- King Birendra represented Nepal in the first four summits.
- The 19th summit, planned for Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2016, was postponed indefinitely.
| Summit | Date (Year) | Host Country | Participant from Nepal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dec 7-8, 1985 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah |
| 3rd | Nov 2-4, 1987 | Kathmandu, Nepal | King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah |
| 11th | Jan 4-6, 2002 | Kathmandu, Nepal | P.M. Sher Bahadur Deuba |
| 18th | Nov 26-27, 2014 | Kathmandu, Nepal | P.M. Sushil Koirala |
Key Takeaways
- Total summits held: 18.
- First summit location: Dhaka, Bangladesh (1985).
- Nepal's first host year: 1987 (3rd Summit).
- Latest summit held: 18th Summit in Kathmandu (2014).
What to Avoid
- Stating that 19 summits have been successfully completed; only 18 have been held.
- Misidentifying the participant for the 1st summit; it was King Birendra, not a Prime Minister.
- Confusing the host of the 18th summit; it was Kathmandu, Nepal.
FAQ
Q1: Where was the first SAARC summit held? Dhaka, Bangladesh (1985).
Q2: How many SAARC summits has Nepal hosted? Three (3rd, 11th, and 18th summits).
Q3: Who represented Nepal at the 18th SAARC summit? Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.
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