ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Nepal on 5th to 6th March as part of Pakistan’s pro-active and outreach efforts to engage with regional countries. During his visit, the prime minister would convey felicitations to the Nepalese leadership on the successful conclusion of its democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government, said a Foreign Office statement. He would congratulate the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. while PM Abbasi will also call on the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari. The prime minister’s visit would provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts. Besides, ways of invigorating SAARC as an important regional organization would also be discussed. Ambassador of Nepal in Islamabad Sewa Lamsal Adhikari had called on the prime minister on Friday and conveyed the message of welcome from the Nepalese leadership to him. She had also discussed how to further strengthen bilateral relations. “Nepal is an important regional country and a close friend and our ties with Nepal are characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. Our support to each other at bilateral and multilateral fora has remained indispensable for both the sides,” the Foreign Office added.