The leaders of six member countries of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) paid a joint courtesy call to President Bidya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on Thursday.

The foreign dignitaries, who are in Kathmandu to attend the fourth edition of BIMSTEC summit, were welcomed by the President’s advisor Sushil Pyakurel and Secretary at the Office of the President Binod KC among others.

President Bhandari has organised a luncheon programme in honour of the foreign delegates prior to the commencement of the summit later today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli among other high level government officials are present at the President’s office for the programme.

Indian PM Narendra Modi, Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Wazed, Myanmar’s President Win Myint, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bhutan Gyalpo Tshering Wangchuk and Sri Lankan President Maitripala Sirisena are attending the luncheon programme.

The delegates will head to summit venue in Soaltee Hotel from Sheetal Niwas. They will also attend a dinner reception organised by PM Oli at Hyatt Regency.