Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Winston Peter, deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs and trade of New Zealand.

Issuing a press release, the Embassy of Nepal in Australia, which is also accredited to New Zealand, said that both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two friendly nations and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interests.

“The Nepali Society in Wellington together with the Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand organised an interaction programme with Minister Saud and the visiting delegation at Wellington,” the press statement further reads.

The matters relating to providing passport and consular services to the Nepali community in New Zealand more conveniently and utilising the knowledge, expertise and skills of Nepalis residing in New Zealand for the benefit of the country were discussed during the interactive session, the embassy said.

Minister Saud also visited the Parliament of New Zealand and observed the Question Time, the embassy said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Second edition of Nepal-New Zealand Foreign Ministry Consultation (FMC) was also held between the senior officials of both the Ministries.

The delegates of both nations took stock of various aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation through enhancing economic and cultural engagements between the two countries.

Minister Saud reached New Zealand on Tuesday. He is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on Thursday completing his Australia and New Zealand visits.