Monday, July 24 2006 10:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran yesterday (July 23, 2006) called on Nepal's Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and held a meeting with Indian envoys to SAARC countries to discuss modalities for organising the next summit of the regional grouping to be hosted by India.

Saran, who is here on a three-day visit, met Premier Koirala at the PM's Quarters, Baluwatar.

Foreign Secretary Saran made just a courtesy call to Prime Minister Koirala, Indian Embassy's Councillor, Press and Information Gopal Wagley, said without elaborating.

Eighty-five-year old Koirala is currently undergoing treatment at his residence after he was discharged from the hospital last week.

Saran arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday for consultations with India's ambassadors in the South Asian region in preparation for the next SAARC Summit, which is being hosted by India.

He held consultations with India's ambassadors to the South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, during a conference in Kathmandu today, Indian Embassy sources said.

This was just an internal meeting of Saran with India's diplomats and senior government officials, the embassy staff said.

During the conference held in Kathmandu they discussed India's cooperation with different SAARC countries and exchanged views on various matters. The conference will continue tomorrow.

Saran met Nepali Congress (Democratic) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and held discussions on the current political situation in Nepal, according to party sources.

He will also meet Rastriya Prajatantra Party President Pashupati Shumsher Rana and other leaders.