Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Tuesday that Nepal is committed to revitalizing the SAARC process that has stuck in limbo since its 18th summit in Kathmandu in 2014. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is in limbo mainly due to the rivalry between India and Pakistan.
Nepal PM reiterated the message during Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi’s courtesy meeting with him. During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar, they discussed various issues of bilateral relations and interest as well as increasing cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, education and culture, the Prime Minister’s Private Secretariat stated. “PM Oli emphasized Nepal’s commitment to revitalizing SAARC and fostering regional collaboration, advocating that bilateral issues should not hinder the functioning of regional organizations. Ambassador Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to host the SAARC,” the PMO said.
He also said that Nepal, as SAARC Chair, has been making efforts to activate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and SAARC-member countries should play constructive role for the same.
The 18th SAARC Summit was hosted by Nepal in Kathmandu in 2014, following which Pakistan was to host the 19th Summit. This did not materialize after the 2016 Uri attack for which India blames Pakistan.
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