PM Nawaz for greater trade ties with Nepal
24 October, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called for greater economic cooperation between Pakistan and Nepal.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Nepali Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Panday at the Prime Minister's House.
The prime minister said that Pakistan wishes to nurture closer economic and cultural relations with Nepal. He said that bilateral trade between the two countries is not reflective of the political ties and the potential that exists on both sides for which institutional mechanisms, such as joint economic commission, needs to be made more effective.
The prime minister said that apart from strengthening bilateral relations, Pakistan is particularly keen to promote South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) activities in partnership with Nepal. "Resolution of disputes between SAARC countries is important for SAARC's progress and Nepal can play its due role in this regard," he added.
The prime minister also said that he acknowledged the importance for SAARC to develop economic partnerships with major countries within the region, which is essential for its growth. The Nepali foreign minister handed over an invitation to the prime minister to participate in the 18th SAARC Summit being held in Kathmandu in November.
He also conveyed the best wishes and greetings of Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and expressed the desire to further strengthen and develop bilateral relations. The prime minister reciprocated these sentiments while conveying best wishes to Nepal's Ambassador to Pakistan Bharat Raj Paudyal for a successful SAARC summit.
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