In a concerted effort to rejuvenate regional collaboration, Nepal and Sri Lanka have committed to strengthening both the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The joint announcement was made during a press meet featuring Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry, following a productive day of discussions in Kathmandu.
“We’ve engaged in serious and amicable discussions on fortifying SAARC and BIMSTEC,” stated Saud, underscoring the imperative of collective agreements for progress. He added, “Cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums was also a focal point of our agenda.”
While acknowledging the positive state of bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, and connectivity, both ministers emphasized the need to transcend individual interests. Saud stated, “We’ve identified mutual areas of understanding and interest for further cooperation,” emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Sabry echoed Nepal’s dedication to regional collaboration, pinpointing education, health, employment, and tourism as pivotal areas for joint initiatives. “We’re placing special emphasis on regional programs like SAARC and BIMSTEC,” he affirmed, pledging efforts to encourage Sri Lankan citizens to visit Nepal.
The agenda also included bolstering tourism ties, with both ministers expressing enthusiasm to jointly promote travel between the two countries. Sabry concluded, “Today’s discussions were very positive,” reaffirming the shared goal of expanding Nepal-Sri Lanka relations.
With Nepal and Sri Lanka joining forces, a renewed sense of optimism permeates the regional landscape. While it remains to be seen whether this signals a turning point for SAARC and BIMSTEC, the renewed commitment from these close partners offers hope for a more connected and prosperous South Asia.
