Daily Times

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli met on Monday and agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of economy, defense and culture.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who arrived in the Himalayan city to felicitate his Nepalese counterpart on assuming the office of prime minister, said Pakistan welcomed completion of democratic process in Nepal and hoped that it would usher in an era of durable peace.

Abbasi said Pakistan fully supported Nepal’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as a matter of prime importance.

He said it was heartening that democratic process in Nepal was flourishing and emphasised that political stability was key to economic development.

He said Pakistan and Nepal had remained good friends over the decades and there existed immense scope in collaboration in the fields of culture, tourism, sports and education.

The two leaders discussed South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as an important platform to explore cooperation among regional countries for the benefit of their peoples.

Talking to SAARC General Secretary Amjad Hussain B Sial who called on him, Abbasi said Pakistan was committed to play a constructive role in SAARC.

Amjad Hussain B Sial who belongs to Pakistan’s Foreign Service and was appointed SAARC general secretary in 2017 at the current chair Nepal, updated Abbasi on the recent activities of SAARC.

It was highlighted that the economic relations did not match the political will existing between Pakistan and Nepal and thus needed to be further strengthened.

The two leaders emphasised on the need to reactivate Pakistan Nepal Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council to increase bilateral trade. It was also agreed to strengthen people-to-people contacts.

Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over the cooperation between the two countries at international fora. The ways to reinvigorate SAARC as an important regional organisation, was also discussed.

Later, Abbasi and the Nepalese PM led delegation-level talks of their respective sides, which was attended by Pakistani delegates and Nepalese cabinet members.

Abbasi was accorded guard of honour at Nepal’s Army Pavilion on the official visit.

The two prime ministers were escorted by Nepalese Chief of Army Staff General Rajendra Chhetri to the saluting dais. A contingent of Nepal Army presented salute to the Pakistani leader. National anthems of Pakistan and Nepal were played and the canons boomed a 21-gun salute at the venue.

Abbasi reviewed the parade along with his Nepalese counterpart.

Abbasi is the first world leader who has been accorded guard of honour at Nepal’s Army Pavilion.

Published in Daily Times, March 6^th 2018.