Foreign Secretary of Nepal Shanker Das Bairagi paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, MP this morning at the latter’s office. Mr. Bairagi is visiting Bangladesh in connection with the 2nd round of Bilateral Consultations between the two Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and Nepal to be held later today. He is leading a 6 member delegation comprising representatives of different Ministries of Nepal including the Ministries of Energy, Commerce and Higher Education.

Highlighting the historically warm and friendly ties with Nepal, Mr. Bairagi appreciated the support of the Government of Bangladesh during the devastating earthquake of Nepal in 2015. Mr. Bairagi also briefed the Foreign Minister about the recent political developments including the upcoming election in Nepal. Expressing satisfaction at the existing excellent relations between the two countries, Hon’ble Foreign Minister stated that Bangladesh has a great deal of sympathy for Nepal as a land-locked country.

The Foreign Secretary of Nepal appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Referring to the humanitarian crisis relating to the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, the Foreign Secretary appreciated the role of Bangladesh Government in handling the situation.

During the meeting, the Hon’ble Minister and Foreign Secretary also emphasized on comprehensive engagement and further cooperation between the two countries in the areas of connectivity, trade and investment, power sector cooperation, tourism, culture and people-to-people contact, etc. Besides, they also discussed regional issues of mutual interest.