VP Yadav underscores on deepening Nepal-Pakistan relations

Kathmandu, 28 July: VicePresident Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has said that cooperation among the member states was vital for the effectiveness of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

During a meeting with Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi on Thursday in the Office of the Vice-President, Yadav said that SAARC should advance for peace, prosperity and greater benefit of the member states and peoples there. Vice-President Yadav said that Nepal, in the capacity of the SAARC Chair, was doing its best to end the impasse being experienced in the advancement of SAARC. "For this, cooperation among all member states is crucial," Yadav added

On the bilateral front, the VicePresident stressed the need of cooperation on commerce and economic issues. "We can cooperate on trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange and people to people relations," he said expressing his confidence that the role of Pakistani Ambassador will be important in furthering close cooperative partnership between Nepal and Pakistan. Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan and Nepal enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked by friendship, cordiality, mutual respect, and cooperation. He also said the exchange of highlevel visits have further strengthened these ties. He expressed his confidence that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries would further grow during the term of office of the Vice-President. The two sides exchanged views to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries, according to the office of the VicePresident.

Pakistani Ambassador said that if the direct flights between Nepal and Pakistan can be resumed, it would greatly assist in promoting tourism of both the countries. He also informed that the Government of Pakistan was mulling to increase the number of scholarships by adding other subjects under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program (PTAP).