PM URGES REGIONAL COOPERATION AT CONCLUDING SESSION OF SAARC

PM BHATTARAI CALLS FOR ENHANCED REGIONAL COOPERATION AT CONCLUDING SAARC ADDRESS
Kathmandu, 11 Nov.: Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has stressed that the leaders of the SAARC member countries should play a leading role in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of South Asia, RSS reports.
Speaking in the concluding session of the 17th SAARC Summit in Addu city of the Maldives this evening, Prime Minister Bhattarai underlined the need of developing the regional group as an institution in tune with the 21st century.

He said that he was looking forward to welcoming the leaders of the SAARC member countries to the 18th Summit meeting of the regional group to be held in Nepal.

Prime Minister Bhattarai expressed gratitude to the leaders of all the SAARC member countries, especially the past chair of SAARC, Bhutan, and the current chair, Maldives for the successfully steering the regional group.
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FOREIGN MNISTER SHRESTHA, AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY HOLD DISCUSSIONS
KaThmandu, 11 Nov.:: Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles paid courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Friday on the sidelines of the 17th SAARC Summit in Addu city, Maldives, RSS reports..

On the occasion, Marles expressed Australia’s desire to maintain close relations with SAARC as an observer.

During the meeting, DPM Shrestha expressed appreciation to the Australian Government for the support in the development process of Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha inquired about possible cooperation of Australia for the rehabilitation of the Maoist Army combatants as Nepal moves towards the conclusion of the peace process. He also requested Australia to resume issuance of visa service from its Embassy in Kathmandu.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also underscored the need for enhanced cooperation between the two countries in the areas of trade and investment. He called for greater investment from Australia in hydropower in Nepal.
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