Foreign Minister of Nepal Calls on the Prime Minister and Adviser, Extends Invitation for 18th SAARC Summit

The Foreign Minister of Nepal, H.E. Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey called on the Prime Minister today. He is on a visit to Islamabad currently to personally handover an official invitation from the Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Honourable Sushil Koirala, addressed to the Prime Minister for his participation at the 18th SAARC Summit, to be held on 26-27 November, 2014 in Kathmandu. The Prime Minister while thanking the dignitary for the gesture and wishing a successful Summit, said that he was looking forward to attending the Summit.

The Nepalese Foreign Minister later called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz. Mr. Mahendra extended invitation to the Adviser to attend the Council of Ministers’ Meeting on 25 November. They exchanged views on bilateral relations and cooperation at the SAARC platform. The Adviser offered condolences over the casualties caused by the blizzards and avalanche in Nepal. The Adviser also hosted a working lunch in the honour of visiting dignitary. All the resident SAARC Ambassadors in Islamabad were invited.

Pakistan attaches great importance to SAARC and is fully committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter. Pakistan wishes to see SAARC as a vibrant regional organization. Nepal, with which Pakistan enjoys very cordial relations, plays an important role as a SAARC member. The SAARC Secretariat is situated in Kathmandu.

Pakistan believes that given the potential and immense resources that the SAARC member countries collectively hold, the region can serve as an engine of growth for the global economy in the 21st century and significantly contribute to the prosperity of the region and the world, at large.

Islamabad

23 October 2014

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