Emphasis on measures to enhance trade, investment, education, tourism, culture, IT, and public relations
Islamabad (Izhhar Khan Niazi) Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, the convener of the Pakistan-Nepal-Bhutan Parliamentary Friendship Group, stated that to further strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between Pakistan and Nepal, it is essential to promote parliamentary links, trade, investment, education, tourism, culture, youth exchanges, and public-level connections. The restoration of direct air connectivity between the two countries can further enhance trade and tourism, as well as public relations.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, at the Parliament House in Islamabad. The meeting discussed the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Nepal, the promotion of parliamentary links, and the possibilities for increasing public-level exchanges. Members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group, including Prince Muhammad Gashtasab Khan, Farah Naz Akbar, Shaista Khan, Asfandyar M. Bhandara, Daniyal Chaudhry, and Dr. Darshan, also participated in the meeting.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani welcomed the Nepali ambassador, stating that there are deep cultural, historical, and civilizational ties between Pakistan and Nepal, and both countries have always maintained friendly relations. He noted that regular parliamentary links could play a significant role in bringing the parliaments and peoples of both countries closer together and identifying new areas of cooperation.
He emphasized the vast possibilities for cooperation in various sectors, including trade and investment, education, tourism, culture, youth exchanges, information technology, and digital services.
Nepal’s Ambassador Rita Dhital expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and praised the friendly relations between Pakistan and Nepal. She stressed the importance of further strengthening parliamentary links and mentioned ongoing cooperation in various fields, including education, climate change, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges. She also emphasized the need to facilitate connections and enhance business-level relations.
The meeting agreed on increasing links through parliamentary friendship groups, mutual visits of delegations, and promoting online connections, while also reviewing the vast possibilities for enhancing bilateral trade and business relations.
The parties deemed the restoration of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Nepal as significant and urged exploring possible measures in this regard. Participants noted that restoring direct air connectivity could help promote religious and adventure tourism, trade, and public-level relations.
The meeting also highlighted the shared Himalayan geographical significance of both countries and their mountaineering traditions, while important Buddhist religious sites in Pakistan and Nepal were identified as having significant potential for promoting tourism and cultural cooperation.
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani thanked the Nepali ambassador for the constructive and fruitful discussion and expressed hope that this meeting would contribute to further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Pakistan and Nepal.