Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that terrorism continues to be the greatest threat to peace, democracy, development and good neighborliness. <br/><br/>Inaugurating the 15th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting at Kathmandu this evening, Mr. Deuba said that Nepal firmly and unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. <br/><br/>He said that BIMSTEC region is blessed with vast and diverse natural resources and if they are harnessed properly and efficiently prosperity will not be out of reach of our peoples. <br/><br/>Nepal PM also said that as BIMSTEC mark the twentieth anniversary it is the right moment to focus on deepening rather than widening the areas of cooperation. <br/><br/>During the two day meeting foreign ministers of member countries will review the progress in identified fourteen areas of cooperation and discuss ways to accelerate cooperation under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) process. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj representing India in the meeting.<br/><br/>Earlier Mrs. Swaraj called on President Vidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Various bilateral issues were discussed in the meetings. PM Deuba's forthcoming visit to India was also discussed. She also attended a welcome dinner hosted by Deputy PM and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Mahara.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Swaraj, who arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day visit to participate in the 15th ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), met Deuba at his official residence in Baluwatar. <br/><br/>This is the first meeting between the two leaders since Deuba took over as Nepal Prime Minister in a power-sharing deal in June. During the meeting, the duo discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Both sides also reiterated their commitment to deepen the friendly relationship between the two countries. <br/><br/>Swaraj said that she is looking forward to welcoming Deuba in India. Deuba is set to embark on a five-day official visit to India from the 23rd of this month. Swaraj is also scheduled to call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari.<br/><br/>Swaraj's visit comes as India is pushing for a larger role for BIMSTEC, an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. The member countries of BIMSTEC are India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.<br/><br/><br/>Earlier in the day, the BIMSTEC Secretary-level talks were held to discuss agenda for the ministerial meeting, which will take place tomorrow. The meeting will deliberate on 14 different themes like trade, investment, transport and communication, energy, tourism, agriculture, counter-terrorism, poverty alleviation, public health, environment and natural disasters and climate change.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Swaraj, who arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day visit to participate in the 15th ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), met Deuba at his official residence in Baluwatar. <br/><br/>This is the first meeting between the two leaders since Deuba took over as Nepal Prime Minister in a power-sharing deal in June. During the meeting, the duo discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Both sides also reiterated their commitment to deepen the friendly relationship between the two countries. <br/><br/>Swaraj said that she is looking forward to welcoming Deuba in India. Deuba is set to embark on a five-day official visit to India from the 23rd of this month. Swaraj is also scheduled to call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari.<br/><br/> Swaraj's visit comes as India is pushing for a larger role for BIMSTEC, an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. The member countries of BIMSTEC are India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.