PM Oli describes Thailand visit as successful, productive
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that his official visit to Thailand and participation in the Sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) were highly successful and meaningful.
Speaking at a press conference held at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport upon his return on Saturday, PM Oli remarked that his visit to Thailand had elevated bilateral relations to new heights.
He shared that fruitful discussions were held with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on advancing regional and multi-sectoral cooperation, alongside collaboration in bilateral trade, investment, and the development of agriculture, tourism, culture, education, and human resources. According to PM Oli, the two nations, united by their shared Buddhist religion and philosophy, agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties by expanding economic and cultural activities.
PM Oli revealed that Nepal had secured a commitment from the Thai government to support Nepal's national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'. He noted that Thailand was ready to extend assistance in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and IT.
During the press conference, the Prime Minister also highlighted agreements between the two countries to collaborate in international and regional forums on shared concerns such as climate change, world peace, and sustainable development. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to facilitate cultural and tourism exchanges.
PM Oli extended an invitation to Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra to visit Nepal and expressed hope for her visit in the near future.
Addressing the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit, PM Oli shed light on pressing regional and global issues, including economic inequality, rising economic risks, and political uncertainty. He emphasised the importance of regional cooperation to address these challenges.
The Prime Minister further disclosed that he had invited the Heads of BIMSTEC member countries to participate in the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad, which Nepal plans to organise to discuss environmental and other regional and international challenges. He stressed that climate change poses an existential threat to humanity.
During his visit to Thailand, PM Oli expressed condolences on behalf of the Government of Nepal, the Nepali people, and himself for the significant loss of lives and property caused by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. He wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
PM Oli noted that the Bangkok Declaration addressed issues such as implementing BIMSTEC Vision 2030 for development, prosperity, and sustainability in the BIMSTEC region, as well as utilising opportunities for regional economic growth.
Ahead of the Summit, the BIMSTEC ministerial meeting emphasised the need to approve and implement an action plan related to human resource development, public health, education, science and technology, and climate change at the earliest opportunity, PM Oli clarified.
During meetings with Nepali and Thai entrepreneurs, PM Oli urged them to invest in Nepal, assuring them that the government is committed to making foreign investment easy, safe, and result-oriented.
At the press conference, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai read out the press note on behalf of PM Oli.
PM Oli also held meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing during the BIMSTEC Summit.
Nepal-India relations to deepen: PM Oli
Prime Minister Oli has expressed his determination to further strengthen Nepal-India relations.
Speaking about his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thailand, where both leaders attended the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit, PM Oli described the discussions as very fruitful. "This time, we have reached an understanding of holding dialogue on any issues that arise between the two countries and resolving them," PM Oli said.
Responding to media queries, he remarked, "This meeting was fruitful, and I am very happy. From my conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi, I have learned that he is also happy."
PM Oli elaborated that the meeting focused on collaboration in various areas of mutual cooperation, including investment and trade, the multi-purpose Pancheshwor Project, and irrigation facilities in Dodhara Chandani from Mahakali River.
He shared that the Indian Prime Minister would not be able to attend the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal due to prior commitments in Europe but assured that high-level representatives from India would participate in the programme.
On a separate note, PM Oli addressed concerns raised by agitating teachers, stating that the government would take their issues positively and resolve them through dialogue. He also informed that an impartial investigation was underway regarding the Tinkune incident that occurred on 28 March.
Leading a Nepali delegation, PM Oli departed for Thailand on April 1 for an official visit at the friendly invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and to attend the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit.
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