KATHMANDU: The Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Md. Golam Sarwar on Friday called on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the latter’s office in Lainchaur.

During the meeting, issues of recent political developments taking place in the SAARC member states, regional cooperation and other multidimensional topics were discussed, according to the Office of the Vice President.

On the occasion, Vice President Yadav said that the Government of Nepal will extend its full support to the SAARC Secretary General in discharging the duty.

Likewise, Vice President Yadav congratulated the SAARC Secretary General on the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the SAARC Charter and added that the peoples of the South Asian region have pinned high hopes on this organization.

Similarly, the Vice President shared that Nepal was heading to the House of Representatives (HoR) elections after the Gen-Z protests and the current government is focused on handing over the power to the people’s elected representatives after successfully conducting polls on March 5.

He stated that Nepal was always committed to the principles and goals mentioned in the SAARC Charter and expressed hope that SAARC would be an effective forum to propel economic growth, social progress and cultural development.

Likewise, the Vice President said that he was hopeful of consensus among the SAARC member states for holding the SAARC Summit soon.She also noted that that the first point of security were the people to be followed by the police, armed forces, and former security personnel.

On a different note, the Prime Minister said, “We are here on the ground of the Gen-Z movement but are not against the political parties. People should understand that elections are needed to establish political parties. Prime Minister Karki mentioned that the all-party meeting held today also shows that the parties are ready for the election. “I think the meeting held today is the most important one so far. Overall, everyone here has been saying that election should be held. Even if there are reasons for suspicion somewhere, they will alert us and help us move forward.”

She also urged the parties to unite and find a way forward, recalling the movement held on September 8 and 9. Explaining that the current government has come as an alternative to manage the interim period after the youth uprising, she said that the situation could be different if the court had issued an interim order against the government. “We all have a responsibility towards the country. Let the country find a path, let the country take the speed and direction as demanded by the Gen-Z movement.”

Stating that on September 9, unarmed youths were killed, and arson followed the following day, she said that an investigation will tell who did this and why. However, she expressed concern that if arson becomes a habit, anyone can burn anyone tomorrow, emphasizing that everyone should think over it so that we don’t have to face such a violent and heartbreaking situation in the future.

Prime Minister Karki also made it clear that the government had no personal interests or aspirations and had not done anything for any additional gains.