Nepal, Pakistan commit to explore new sectors for bilateral economic cooperation
By Ramesh Tiwari —
Kathmandu: Nepal and Pakistan have committed to strengthen friendship and mutual cooperation between the two countries.
The two countries committed to strengthen cooperation during Pakistani Prime Minister’s visit to Nepal. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited Nepal on 5-6 March 2018, as part of Pakistan’s pro-active and outreach efforts to engage with regional countries.
Prime Minister Abbasi conveyed felicitations to the Nepali leadership on the successful conclusion of its democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government.
Abbasi congratulated the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. He called on the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari during his visit to Nepal.
Pakistani PM Abbasi and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli exchanged views on political and economic matters.
“During the meeting, matters related to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, tourism, agriculture, and human resources development were discussed. The two leaders agreed to hold regularly the meetings of bilateral mechanisms. They also exchanged views on revitalising the SAARC process in the spirit of the Charter,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu said that the visit was part of Pakistan’s pro-active and outreach efforts to engage with regional countries.
It said that Pakistan has taken the visit as an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest, including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contact.
“Nepal is an important regional country and a close friend. Our ties with Nepal are characterised by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interest. Our support to each other at the bilateral and multilateral forums has remained indispensable for both the sides,” said the Embassy.
´Nepal is an important regional country and a close friend. 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 indispensible for both the sides. ´
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, all issues of bilateral importance were discussed and it was agreed to enhance cooperation in political, economic, education and cultural fields during the meeting . Both sides resolved to explore new sectors for bilateral economic cooperation.
It was also noted that the economic relations and the extent of bilateral trade were not commensurate with the political goodwill and potential that existed in both the countries. It was agreed to further strengthen people to people contacts and parliamentary exchanges.
“Prime Minister briefed the Nepalese side about CPEC and its benefits for the region. They emphasized the need to reactivate Pakistan-Nepal Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council to enhance volume of bilateral trade,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Abbasi stated that Pakistan is committed to the SAARC process and urged the leaders of Nepal to play their role for early convening of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad.
March 6, 2018
