New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: In wake of Coronavirus outbreak around the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be visiting Brussels, Belgium for the India-EU summit. New Delhi and Brussels have decided to reschedule the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday.
Earlier PM Modi was supposed to visit Brussels at the end of this month.
MEA Spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar said, "As far as India-EU Summit is concerned which PM Modi had to attend, the health authorities of both the countries suggested that travelling must not take place at present. So, it has been decided that Summit will be rescheduled on a mutually convenient date," as quoted by ANI.
"The decision has been taken in the spirit of close cooperation between the EU & India who share same concerns and commitment to global health and hope that the outbreak is contained soon," he added.
At least two staffs in the EU administration in Brussels have tested positive for COVID-19 are receiving treatment, according to European officials on Wednesday. While one of them has returned from Italy, the other worked in security for the European council is suspected to have been infected after coming in contact with the former.
Health authorities around the world are taking measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus, which led to the death of more 32,000 people ( and infected other 90,000) around the world and spread around 80 countries.
Meanwhile, meetings at the headquarters of EDA based in Brussels have been cancelled until March 13, said Elisabeth Schoeffmann.
Capital of 27-nation union European Union, Brussels is home to numerous institutions, including the European Council, European Commission, and European Parliament.
The European Parliament has limited access to buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg amid features that large gatherings could further increase the outbreak.
(with agency inputs)
Posted By: James Kuanal
