Moyeen Khan seeks Nepal’s support to reactivate SAARC

Bangladesh has sought Nepal's support in reviving and reactivating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan urging regional countries to speak with one voice on global issues such as trade and climate change.

The minister made the call today (Wednesday) while meeting Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanashyam Bhandari, at his office in the Secretariat. The two sides held detailed discussions on bilateral and mutual interests and pledged to further strengthen cooperation.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Dr. Moyeen Khan said that if South Asian countries raise their voices collectively, rather than individually, at various global forums, the desired goals would be achieved more effectively and productively.

The minister also urged increased trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through regional and bilateral agreements. He said greater regional trade would give neighbouring countries comparative advantages, significantly reduce transport costs and ensure fair prices for goods.

This, he added, would raise people's real incomes and improve their living standards. Working together as a bilateral and regional bloc in trade would also make it much easier to protect domestic industries and economies, he said.

Nepal seeks flood reconstruction support

During the meeting, Ambassador Bhandari said Bangladesh and Nepal share many similarities in political, cultural, natural and economic spheres, and that the overall situation in the two countries is largely alike.

He described the devastation caused by the recent floods in Nepal, saying that around US$5 billion is needed to rebuild the affected areas. He called for Bangladesh's overall cooperation in this context.

Responding to the request, the minister said Nepal is a trusted and time-tested friend of Bangladesh. "Bangladesh has always stood by Nepal and will extend all possible assistance whenever needed," he said.

Pointing to the potential for cooperation in education, the ambassador said more than 2,500 Nepali students are currently studying medicine in Bangladesh, and that there is scope to expand support in this sector.

At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to making relations between the two countries stronger and more multifaceted in the future.

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