Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment towards South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and urged the Bhutanese side to play its role for the revitalization of SAARC.

The Prime Minister stated this while talking to a 10-member delegation from Bhutan, led by Bhutan’s non-resident Ambassador to Pakistan, Sonam Tobden Rabgye which called on him. The visiting delegation included members of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Underscoring the importance that Pakistan accords to Bhutan, the Prime Minister stated that relations between the two countries would be further strengthened.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for diversification and deepening of ties with Bhutan in the field of education, tourism, cultural exchanges and environmental preservation.

Ambassador Sonam Tobden Rabgye thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and hospitality extended to his delegation.

He agreed with the Prime Minister that there existed immense potential for cooperation between the two sides.

He also reaffirmed his country’s commitment towards making SAARC a vibrant regional organization.

He said Pakistan occupies a special place in the spiritual and cultural annals of Bhutan as it is the cradle of Buddhist art and culture, since times immemorial. He said that Swat was held in high veneration as it is considered to be the birth place of the legendary Guru Padmasambhawa, the Second Buddha. This visit will further deepen the already existing cordial ties with Bhutan, the ambassador added.

Published in Daily Times, June 27^th 2018.