US Postpones ASEAN Regional Summit Due To Coronavirus: US Official
Muhammad Irfan Published February 29, 2020 | 08:40 AM
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Feb, 2020 ) :The United States has delayed a regional ASEAN summit scheduled to take place in Las Vegas next month due to fears of the coronavirus, a senior administration official said Friday.
"As the international community works together to defeat the novel coronavirus, the United States, in consultation with ASEAN partners, has made the difficult decision to postpone the ASEAN leaders meeting," said the official on condition of not being named.
Leaders from the Association of South East Asian Nations had been due to be hosted by President Donald Trump on March 14.
The official said the United States "values our relationships with the nations of this critical region, and looks forward to future meetings." The announcement came as health officials in California confirmed the United States' second case believed to have been transmitted to a person who did not travel overseas or come in contact with anyone known to be ill.
Trump has played down fears of a major outbreak in the United States, even as infections ricochet around the world.
There are now more daily cases being recorded outside China than inside the country, where the virus first emerged in December, according to the World Health Organization.
More than 2,700 people have died in China and some 78,000 have been infected. There have been more than 50 deaths and 3,600 cases in dozens of other countries, raising fears of a pandemic.
Trump had skipped an ASEAN summit and parallel East Asia Summit last year in Bangkok.
He instead sent his national security advisor Robert O'Brien, in the lowest-level participation ever by the United States in the East Asia Summit.
The move came after years of US efforts to show that the United States is committed to Asia in the face of a rising China.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
3 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
10 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
17 days ago