The Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Foreign Minister Pandey handed over the letter of invitation from Shri Sushil Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal, for the 18th SAARC Summit, being held in Kathmandu on 26-27 November 2014.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that he attached the highest level of priority to relations with SAARC countries and said he keenly looked forward to participating in his first SAARC Summit. He considered the SAARC as a vital instrument to add to the strength of each SAARC nation and advance collective action for shared prosperity in the region. Committing India's full support to the SAARC process, he also expressed his strong belief that SAARC countries had much to learn from each other's experiences and strengths. Prime Minister said that in addition to promoting regional connectivity and integration, SAARC countries should identify specific areas of common heritage, challenges and opportunities to foster region-wide cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his gratitude to the people and the Government of Nepal for the warmth and affection, as well as the extraordinary hospitality, which he received during his visit to Nepal in August. He welcomed the progress in key areas of bilateral relations since the visit. He also expressed hope for early completion drafting process of Nepal's Constitution.
