Kathmandu, Jan. 8 : Minister for Foreign Affairs Chakra Prasad Bastola left here today on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abdus Smaj Azad. He is heading a five-member Nepalese delegation.
Talking to reporters at the VIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport, Foreign Minister Bastola said during the visit, talks will be held on various aspects of the promotion of bilateral relations including matters concerning trade and transit between Nepal and Bangladesh.
Speaking about the ample scope for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two very close neighbours, Minister Bastola said the Nepalese delegation will put forward Nepal’s views on the promotion of bilateral and regional cooperation.
Replying to a question about the possibility of Nepal importing gas from Bangladesh, he said this issue will also be raised during the visit.
Bangladesh is a good market for Nepalese agricultural produce like apple and orange but the imposition of high custom duties on Nepalese produce has come in the way of exporting such commodities to that country, he said adding, he will request the government of Bangladesh to consider lowering custom duties on such products from Nepal.
In view of the big possibility of promoting bilateral trade between Nepal and Bangladesh, he is to discuss with the sectors concerned in Bangladesh about the possibilities of promoting bilateral cooperation.
Stating that it is always better to have more than one transit point for landlocked Nepal, he said talks will also be held on making visa arrangements for reaching the Banglabandh port/warehouse more practical.
As Bangladesh is making efforts to facilitate convening of the postponed 11th SAARC summit as soon as possible, he will discuss this matter also with his counterpart there, Minister Bastola said.
He also spoke of the need for Nepal and Bangladesh to persuade India in their own ways towards helping organise the regional summit.
The Foreign Minister also told reporters that he will request the government of Bangladesh to provide more seats and facilities at their universities for Nepalese students, especially students of medicine.