Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Pakistan has emphasized the need to advance the South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization (SAARC) process.
During a courtesy meeting with Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Pakistan’s ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi, said Pakistan remains fully committed to SAARC.
During the meeting, Ambassador Hashmi read a congratulatory message from Pakistani Foreign Secretary Mohammad Syrus Qazi to Lamsal. In the message, the Pakistani foreign secretary emphasized the importance of the SAARC summit and the need to enhance bilateral relations further.
On the occasion, the two also discussed various issues, including education, health, travel, business, climate change, and the sharing of best practices.
As Nepal currently chairs SAARC, Pakistan urged Secretary Lamsal to revive the SAARC process.
The SAARC Summit has not taken place in the last 10 years. While it is commonly attributed to strained relations between India and Pakistan, other member states suggest that Nepal request India to revive the process.
In response, Secretary Lamsal said Nepal is prioritizing relationships with neighboring and SAARC member countries, major power nations, donor nations, and employment destinations.
Lamsal is the first Nepali woman to hold the position of foreign secretary. After serving as the Deputy Chief of Nepal’s Permanent Mission in New York, Lamsal was appointed as Nepal’s ambassador to Pakistan. Upon her return to Kathmandu after completing her ambassadorial tenure, she assumed the role of foreign ministry spokesperson while also heading the division overseeing the United Nations.
What a pleasure meeting new foreign secretary of Nepal Amb @sewa_lamsal. Congratulated her on assuming office & delivered a letter from FS @syrusqazi , Discussed whole gambit of bilateral relations: reviving mechanisms, coop in edu, trade, travel, climate change & SAARC etc. pic.twitter.com/ktBvxEZgLP
— Abrar H Hashmi (@abrarhashmi88) January 12, 2024
