Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is in Uganda to attend the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held talks with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Dahal emphasised that the two South Asian nations must stand together in matters relating to regional cooperation and interests as they stand for non-aligned foreign policies.

“Discussions on the issues of bilateral interests, including connectivity, tourism and regional cooperation were held,” said the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister underscored the need to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) more active, adding that Nepal and Sri Lanka must play a common role towards the same, the prime minister’s secretariat said.

Dahal also emphasised that issues of common interest and regional cooperation should be addressed through the intergovernmental organisation.

President Wickremesinghe attested Sri Lanka’s support to make SAARC functional, while also stressing the need for Nepal and Sri Lanka to cooperate in matters of regional and economic interests.

Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, and other senior government officials were also present during the meeting.

Prime Minister Dahal left for Uganda on Thursday morning, leading a Nepali delegation. He will return home on January 21.