Foreign Minister (FM) Ramesh Nath Pandey is leaving for Russia and Pakistan today on a nine-day visit at the invitation of his counterparts of the two countries.

At a press meet at his office on Friday, FM Pandey said he would hold bilateral talks with the foreign ministers of Russia and Pakistan to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

He is visiting Russia from October 23 to 26 and Pakistan from October 27 to 30. The foreign minister will return to Kathmandu on October 31.

Speaking at the press meet Minister Pandey further said that the solution of the problems dogging the country should be sought internally through consensus. “It is useless asking foreigners to solve our internal problems.”

Pandey also informed that the 13th SAARC summit will be held in the stipulated time and that preparations were on for the summit.