NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said development of close relations with India’s neighbouring countries
was a “key priority” of his government and he would continue to
do more for greater regional integration at all levels for the socio-economic development of the South Asian region.
The Prime Minister, who leaves here this afternoon for Nepal to
attend the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, said in his departure statement that India had always emphasised the importance of greater regional integration at all levels for the socio-economic development of the South Asian region. India had undertaken several initiatives in this regard on bilateral, sub-regional and regional basis, and would “continue to do more,” he said and hoped that the Summit would lead to concrete outcomes, particularly in regard to various initiatives on enhancing connectivity that had been under discussion for a long time.
The Prime Minister who will attend the Summit tomorrow and on November 27, said he also looked forward to holding bilateral discussions with other “South Asian” Heads of State and Government on the margins of the SAARC Summit.
Pointing out that this was his first SAARC Summit, the Prime Minister said during the last six months, he had interacted extensively with leaders of SAARC countries beginning with their “auspicious presence” at his swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi. “Development of close relations with our neighbours is a key priority for my Government,” he added. He said the 18th SAARC Summit would focus on the theme of ‘Deeper Regional Integration for Peace and Prosperity’ and India had always emphasised the importance of greater regional integration at all levels for the socio-economic development of the South Asian region.
“We have undertaken several initiatives in this regard on bilateral, sub-regional and regional basis, and will continue to do more,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the Summit would lead to concrete outcomes, particularly in regard to various initiatives on enhancing connectivity that had been under discussion for a long time.
Recalling that this was his second visit to Nepal within four months, the Prime Minister said it reflected the importance India attached to its “unique and special relations with Nepal.” He said there had been significant progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during his visit to Nepal in August 2014.
“I look forward to reviewing the progress in our relations with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and other Nepalese leaders,” he said.
He also hoped to conclude some concrete agreements in the areas
of connectivity and development cooperation. (AGENCIES)
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