KATHMANDU, Nov 1: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz called on King Gyanandra Bir Bikran Shah here on Monday at Narayanhiti Palace. During the meeting, which lasted an hour, the Nepalese King expressed appreciation for Pakistan's support and assistance to Nepal in various fields.

The King, expressing his desire to visit Pakistan in the near future, appreciated President Pervez Musharraf's statesmanship.

During the talks, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz offered help to Nepal in different fields including political, economic, civil and defence.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was ready to provide military training to Nepal to combat terrorism in the region.

The King briefed Mr Aziz about the domestic political situation. The prime minister briefed the King about matters relating to Saarc and efforts to further strengthen it for the overall development of the region.

The two leaders reiterated their desire to enhance existing trade, economic, political and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The king also appreciated the economic and political cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the need to promote people-to-people relations.-APP