UNITED NATIONS, Sep 22 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad
Nawaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the need for early
conclusion of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Nepal.
The Prime Minister said this during a meeting with Foreign Minister of Nepal, Prakash Sharan Mahat, who called on him here on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly session in New York.
He asked the Foreign Minister to convey good wishes to
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on assuming responsibilities as Prime Minister of Nepal and expressed the hope that both leaders could work together to enhance bilateral relations.
The Nepalese Foreign Minister said Pakistan was an
important country in South Asia and expressed the desire to enhance bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that there was
tremendous potential to enhance bilateral trade relations.
Current trade volume of US$ 1.36 million per annum was
far from satisfactory. Both countries could work together in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and automotive industry, the meeting reiterated.
Cooperation in multilateral fora, particularly SAARC was
also discussed. It was agreed that there was a need to making SAARC a more effective body to bring about a meaningful improvement in the lives of the people of South Asia.
The Prime Minister looked forward to welcoming Prime
Minister Prachanda at the 19th SAARC Summit to be held in Islamabad in November.
