(2018-03-06) Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited Nepal, on 5-6 March 2018, in line with Pakistan’s policy of proactive engagement with the regional countries.
During the visit, the Prime Minister called on the President of Nepal H.E Bidya Devi Bhandari and held a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart, K.P. Sharma Oli. The former Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, also called on the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi congratulated the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal and conveyed felicitations on the successful conclusion of the democratic process, resulting in the formation of the new government. During his meetings, all issues of bilateral importance were discussed and it was agreed to enhance cooperation in political, economic, education and cultural fields. 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. The 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.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan 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. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi informed the Nepalese leadership about the continuing atrocities being committed by the Indian Army in Indian OccupiedJammu and Kashmir against innocent Kashmiris.
The Nepalese leadership underscored the importance of the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, which was the first visit by any foreign dignitary to Nepal, after the formation of the new Government. This visit reflects the warmth and cordiality existing between the two countries. They also highlighted the importance of SAARC.
Islamabad
06 March 2018
