Foreign Minister Gyawali for Nepal-Pak relations to newer height

KATHMANDU, Aug 15: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said that both Nepal and Pakistan were working to take bilateral ties to newer height.

Speaking at a special function organized by Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association to celebrate the 71st Anniversary of the Independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Tuesday, Minister Gyawali said “I would like to extend warm congratulations and best wishes to the Government and the friendly people of Pakistan on this happy occasion. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Pakistani people for successful conduct of the recent general elections in Pakistan in a democratic way. We look forward to working closely with the new government.”

He further mentioned that ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, Nepal and Pakistan has been enjoying cordial and friendly relations characterized by goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation. Both countries have been working together at bilateral, regional and international levels to promote mutual interest. Enhanced engagement in the political, economic, cultural and other spheres would further strengthen relations between our two countries and peoples, he argued.

Minister Gyawali further said that there was no doubt that the exchange of visits at high level immensely contributes to further strengthening bilateral relations. He said “I would like to fondly recall the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Nepal in March this year which provided both sides with the opportunity to discuss various matters of mutual cooperation. The visit also held special significance as it was the first one by a foreign head of government after the formation of the present government in Nepal. ”

As neighbours in South Asia, Nepal and Pakistan share common aspirations for the socio-economic development of our peoples. However, many common developmental challenges confront us in this quest. In order to address such challenges and fulfill our aspirations, there is a need to explore more avenues of deeper cooperation in the coming days, Gyawali added.

Minister Gyawali said “a peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia is in our interest. As a common platform, SAARC can play a pivotal role in advancing prosperity in the region. What we need to do is to revitalize SAARC. We must make it an organization that delivers tangible outcome. Without deeper integration we cannot enjoy the fruits of regional cooperation. To achieve results, we must focus on core areas of trade, investment, tourism, and connectivity. Nepal always remains proactive in realizing the objectives enshrined in the SAARC Charter and as the current Chair has been working closely with Member States in the spirit of solidarity, cooperation and partnership.”

According to Gyawali, sustainable economic growth and social development were perquisite to enhance the quality of life of the people. In this context, a meaningful and mutually beneficial engagement between Nepal and Pakistan holds significance.
Similarly, speaking at the same program, former Minister of State for Finance Udaya Shamsher Rana said that the new government to be formed in Pakistan would further extend bilateral ties.

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Mazhar Javed shared that Pakistan was always positive to play significant role to make the SAARC effective.

The association chair Himalaya Shamsher Rana, Nepal Academy chancellor Ganga Prasad Upreti, Kathmandu Metropolitan city mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya wished for progress of Pakistani people on the occasion.RSS