Ashraf Ansari
Ambassador Ms. Sewa Lamsal hosted a glittering reception in the federal capital to mark constitutional and National day celebrations. The reception hall was packed to capacity as large number of invitees graced the event to join the festivities of the Nepali people. The Nepali ambassador warmly welcomes the guestsatvthe entrance of the reception venue. The guests included ambassadors, high commissioners, senior diplomats serving and former military ad civil officials as well as prominent people from various segments of the society.
A number of political figures belonging to parties in power and opposition also attended the reception. Former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and ex-deputy speaker, National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi were among them. The fact is that Pakistan nation by consensus holds Nepal in very high esteem. Nepal has been trusted friend of Pakistan. The two countries have always stood by each whatever the circumstances. They share world view and stakes in regional peace.
Pakistan and Nepal work together for peace and security in the region. They have always cooperated with each other to promote amity in the South Asian region in the framework of SAARC. They are cooperating in various fields to their mutual benefit. However there is vast scope for expanding and deepening of bilateral cooperation.
Islamabad and Kathmandu want to increase economic and trade relations to higher levels. Pakistan can learn much from Nepal in its quest for promotion of tourism. Nepal is attractive tourism destination for the world because of its chains of mountains, natural forests and lakes. The country is rich by virtue of its wealth of fauna and flora. Fortunately Pakistan has similar natural features. It can follow the example of Nepal to attract millions of international tourists.
The Chief guest at the Nepal National day reception was Zartaj Gul, the state minister for climate change.
The minister and ambassador Sewa Lamsal in their speeches touched on these dimensions of Pakistan – Nepal relations. They expressed the confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow to new heights.
