The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Mr. Amjad Hussian B. Sial, called on Rt. Hon. Vice President of Nepal, H.E Mr. Nanda Bahadur Pun, on 5 April 2018 and congratulated the Vice President on his unanimous re-election. He also added that this demonstrates the confidence the people of Nepal repose in his leadership. 

While thanking the Secretary General for his kind words, Vice President expressed confidence that with the long diplomatic experience of working as Director SAARC and serving in various Pakistan missions abroad, the Secretary General would add more dynamism to SAARC process during his tenure. The Vice President underlined the need for convening of the Nineteenth SAARC Summit in Pakistan as early as possible and assured that Nepal, as chair, has been putting in its efforts for creating a conducive environment through dialogue during bilateral meetings with the Member States. The Vice President emphasized the need to reinvigorate SAARC for the well-being of the peoples in the region.

The Secretary General of SAARC thanked the Government of Nepal for the leadership role as the chair and for the support given to the Secretariat and expressed hope that it will continue its support to the SAARC Headquarters. He underscored the importance of Summit in giving renewed impetus to the regional cooperation process. The Secretary General expressed his commitment to provide efficient and best possible services to the Member States and do his utmost in promoting the objectives of SAARC, which is the welfare of the people of the region. He also underscored the need for air, road and rail connectivity for regional and economic integration. 

SAARC Secretariat

Kathmandu

5 April 2018 

H. E. Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Secretary General of SAARC, addressed the Inaugural Session of the Sixth SAARC Business Leaders' Conclave in Kathmandu on Friday, 16 March 2018. 

The Conclave was inaugurated by Rt. Hon. K. P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. 

In his address at the Inaugural Session, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of regional economic integration. He lauded the role being played by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), an Apex Body of SAARC, in promoting economic relations among the Member States.

On behalf of all officials of the SAARC Secretariat, H. E. Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Secretary General of SAARC, felicitated Rt. Hon. Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari on her re-election as the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal yesterday.

In his letter addressed to the Rt. Hon. President, the Secretary General said, “Your Right Hon’ble’s re-election to the high office of the presidency for a second term is amply indicative of the trust and confidence that the people of Nepal rest in Your Right Hon’ble’s sagacious leadership. We wish Your Rt. Hon’ble great success in the exalted position.”

Referring to the three Summits hosted by Nepal in 1987, 2002 and 2014, the Secretary General said Nepal, as the founding member, had been playing a key role in the evolution of regional cooperation under the auspices of SAARC since its inception in December 1985. He expressed the hope to receive continued support and guidance from Nepal, as the current Chair of SAARC, in further strengthening the SAARC process.

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Kathmandu, 15 March 2018

On behalf of all officials at the SAARC Secretariat and on his own behalf, the Secretary General of SAARC conveyed sincere condolences to the people and Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal over the loss of precious lives in the tragic accident that an aircraft of US-Bangla Airlines met at Kathmandu Airport on 12 March 2018. 

In his letters addressed to the Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and Nepal, the Secretary General expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic incident. He further said, “Our sympathies are with the families of those who passed away in the sad incident.  May the departed souls rest in eternal peace!”

Kathmandu, 13 March 2018