Vanche Gujarat, Vibrant Gujarat figure in PM’s bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit


New Delhi, 26 November 2014

PM’s bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today had five bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu. These were with the Prime Minister of Bhutan Mr. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Ms. Sheikh Hasina, the President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani, the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the President of Maldives Mr. Abdulla Yameen.

A large part of the discussions centred around the statements made and events at the SAARC Summit.

During the bilateral meetings, various heads of Government complimented the Prime Minister for his statement at the SAARC Summit and his forward looking vision. The Prime Minister was also complimented for his initiative of the SAARC satellite. Some countries also shared what they look forward to from such a satellite. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on solar energy was also greeted with enthusiasm during these meetings.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives reiterated their invitations to the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister emphasized that engagement with SAARC nations is a priority for him. The Prime Minister invited Mr. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan to visit India in January, and also be part of the Vibrant Gujarat summit.

The Prime Minister also invited the President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani to visit India.

The National Security Advisor will travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives next month. Maritime security shall be on the agenda during these visits.

The Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh had a detailed exchange of views on matters relating to security and terrorism which impact both countries.

Report based on MEA Spokesperson’s interaction:

There was no meeting planned between Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Shraif as of Wednesday. But speculations are rife in Kathmandu that both the leaders will meet during the retreat in a nearby hill station, Dhulikhel, Thursday morning.

“We have not received any request from Pakistan,” Syed Akbaruddin, India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson, said.

In his meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Modi thanked him for pardoning and sending back five Indian fishermen earlier this month, according to Akbaruddin.

Rajapaksa also welcomed the initiative taken by India for develop and launch satellite dedicated to Saarc.

In his meeting with Ghani, Modi committed to strengthening relations with Afghanistan.

Regarding the meeting with Hasina, Akbaruddin said: “India, Bangladesh prime ministers see grater prospects of cooperation amongst democracies of South Asia.”

After meeting with Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tobgey said that he held his first bilateral meeting with the Indian leader.

“A lot to discuss, especially how to take Saarc forward after his powerful speech today,” Tobgey said

During the meeting, Modi had appreciated Bhutan National Reading Year 2015 and committed to send experts who organized ‘Gujurat is Reading’ to the Himalayan nation.

Modi also invited the Bhutanese leader to visit Gujarat.

During Thursday’s retreat, the leaders will spend over two hours in informal talks. Modi also held talks with Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala who was elected as Saarc chair Wednesday.

Other regional leaders are also meeting each other on the sidelines of the summit.

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