Pakistan and Nepal have agreed to enhance cooperation in political, economic, defence and cultural fields.

This understanding reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his Napalese counterpart Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in Kathmandu today.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi felicitated Prime Minister of Nepal on the successful conclusion of the democratic process, resulting in the formation of a new government.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also congratulated Mr. Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli on his election as new Prime Minister of Nepal.

Talking to Secretary General of SAARC Amjad Hussain B. Sial in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan said South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) requires serious and sincere efforts by the member countries to explore its real potential.

He said Pakistan is committed to play a constructive role in SAARC.

He emphasized that SAARC believes in sovereignty of its member nations and is beneficial in making way forward for peace, stability and progress in the region. Amjad Hussain updated the Prime Minister on the recent activities of SAARC.

A delegation of CEOs and editors from Nepal's leading national dailies and television channels also called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Kathmandu.

The editors showed keen interest in learning about progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor since Nepal had also joined One Belt-One Road project in 2016.

The Prime Minister shared with editors the success of Pakistan in war against terrorism.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived in Nepal on two day visit.

He was received by Nepalese Minister for Finance Yuba Raj Khatiwada upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Prime Minister of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli greeted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Army Pavilion, Tundikhel in Kathmandu .

National anthems of the two countries were played and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was presented a Guard of Honour at the welcome reception.  During his visit, the Prime Minister will also call on the President of Nepal Her Excellency Bidya Devi Bhandari. Prime Minister’s visit will provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest including trade, education, tourism, defence and people to people contacts.

Ways of invigorating SAARC as an important regional organization will also be discussed. Nepal is an important regional country and Pakistan`s ties with Nepal are characterized by cordiality, mutual respect and commonality of interests. The two countries also support each other at bilateral and multilateral fora.