Nepalese PM seeks B'desh's coop in maintaining peace, stability
Saturday, 26 September 2009
NEW YORK, Sept 25 (UNB): Nepalese Prime Minister (PM) Madhav Kumar Nepal sought cooperation of Bangladesh in maintaining peace and stability in the transitional times of his country and strengthening its democratic foundations, now being built up gradually after the end of monarchy.
The new premier of Nepal expressed the wish during his talks with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at the United Nations bilateral booth Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session 2009.
During the meeting, the two premiers discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral and regional development-trade, transit, tourism, peace efforts' and so on.
Nepal has experienced protracted guerilla warfare until the centuries old monarchy was abolished last year and the Maoist rebels laid down arms.
Madhav Kumar came to the helms after two exits amid a tug-of-war on the corridors of power in the transitional period.
Apparently in this context, the Nepalese PM mentioned the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord 1997 signed during the previous government of Bangladesh Awami League (AL).
He said Sheikh Hasina's government could help Nepal 'in a great way to maintain peace and stability' over there, because the last government under her leadership had been successful in restoring peace in the insurgency-ridden hilly areas of Bangladesh.
"Besides, Bangladesh can share its glorious experience on democracy with Nepal to help it in the process of strengthening its democratic foundations", Madhav Kumar said.
As various matters of bilateral trade and business, and regional development came up during the discussion, the Bangladesh premier underscored the need for transit facilities with Nepal "for expediting the long-cherished economic emancipation of the South Asian region".
She also told the Nepalese PM that her government would modernise Mongla seaport by which the neighbouring countries, including the landlocked Himalayan nation, Nepal, will be benefited and the regional development will also be accelerated.
Hasina laid emphasis on making best use of water resources in the region for attaining the development targets.
The two leaders discussed high prospects for flourishing tourism industry in the two neighboring countries.
In this connection, she reiterated her call for introducing package tourism between the two countries as it will have significant impact on the two economies.
Later in the day (at local time 12:30 pm), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended a bilateral meeting with President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed at the bilateral booth of the United Nations.
During the meeting, the Maldives President expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Prime Minister for her strong leadership in arranging funds for the LDCs, including the Maldives, for facing the challenges of the global climate change.
In reply, the Prime Minister assured the Maldives President of providing all necessary support for the spread of higher education in his country.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed journalists after the meetings.
State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador M Ziauddin and Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes were also present at the meetings.
The new premier of Nepal expressed the wish during his talks with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at the United Nations bilateral booth Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session 2009.
During the meeting, the two premiers discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral and regional development-trade, transit, tourism, peace efforts' and so on.
Nepal has experienced protracted guerilla warfare until the centuries old monarchy was abolished last year and the Maoist rebels laid down arms.
Madhav Kumar came to the helms after two exits amid a tug-of-war on the corridors of power in the transitional period.
Apparently in this context, the Nepalese PM mentioned the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord 1997 signed during the previous government of Bangladesh Awami League (AL).
He said Sheikh Hasina's government could help Nepal 'in a great way to maintain peace and stability' over there, because the last government under her leadership had been successful in restoring peace in the insurgency-ridden hilly areas of Bangladesh.
"Besides, Bangladesh can share its glorious experience on democracy with Nepal to help it in the process of strengthening its democratic foundations", Madhav Kumar said.
As various matters of bilateral trade and business, and regional development came up during the discussion, the Bangladesh premier underscored the need for transit facilities with Nepal "for expediting the long-cherished economic emancipation of the South Asian region".
She also told the Nepalese PM that her government would modernise Mongla seaport by which the neighbouring countries, including the landlocked Himalayan nation, Nepal, will be benefited and the regional development will also be accelerated.
Hasina laid emphasis on making best use of water resources in the region for attaining the development targets.
The two leaders discussed high prospects for flourishing tourism industry in the two neighboring countries.
In this connection, she reiterated her call for introducing package tourism between the two countries as it will have significant impact on the two economies.
Later in the day (at local time 12:30 pm), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended a bilateral meeting with President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed at the bilateral booth of the United Nations.
During the meeting, the Maldives President expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Prime Minister for her strong leadership in arranging funds for the LDCs, including the Maldives, for facing the challenges of the global climate change.
In reply, the Prime Minister assured the Maldives President of providing all necessary support for the spread of higher education in his country.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed journalists after the meetings.
State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador M Ziauddin and Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes were also present at the meetings.