Pokhara, February 13

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa today directed the administrative and security agencies to expedite preparations for the SAARC minister-level meeting to be held from March 14 to 17 in Pokhara.

Minister Thapa said that meeting was slated to be held outside the Kathmandu Valley to promote tourism. Thapa, who arrived in Pokhara yesterday, observed the rooms and meeting halls at Fulbari and Pokhara Grand Hotel. Thapa also directed western regional administrator Shankar Koirala, Kaski Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Adhikary, among others, to make preparations for the regional meeting.