Lankan FM invites Nepal PM for SAARC Summit

Kathmandu, July 2 (UNI) Visiting Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama today called on Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at his official residence in Baluwatar to invite him to attend the SAARC summit to be held in Colombo.

The 15th SAARC Summit is sheduled to be held in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital from July 27 to August 2.

The Summit is held every two year on rotation basis in the SAARC capitals.

With the inclusion of Afghanistan as the member two years ago, the number of SAARC countries has reached eight and includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan envoy congratulated Mr Koirala for the establishment of republic and the success on the peace process in the Himalayan nation under his able leadership.

It was reported that discussions were held on SAARC, mutual support and airlines connection between the two capitals during the meeting.

The 15th SAARC Summit will focus on shortage of food and oil crisis apart from the problem of terrorism, Secretary at the Nepal Foreign Ministry Gyan Chandra Acharya said.

Nepal will give priority on the use of water resources for alternative source of energy, he added.

Mr Bogollagama leaves for Pakistan today.

UNI XC SR PK RK2059