Responding to Prime Minister Khanal's invitation to invest in hydropower and tourism in Nepal and suggestion to open a direct air link between the two countries, Ambassador Abdullah said the Saudi government was keen on building strong ties with Nepal and would like to explore more areas of economic cooperation.

He said Saudi companies prefer manpower from Nepal and would like to increase the number further.

Saudi Arabia has been one of the popular destinations for Nepalese job seekers. As many as half a million Nepalese are currently employed in the Kingdom.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Khanal thanked the Saudi government for providing necessary protection and for the well-being of Nepalese migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. He also appreciated the ambassador's initiative to set up an embassy in Katmandu, the prime minister foreign affairs adviser, Milan Tuladhar, said in a statement.

Ambassador Abdullah is resident in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and oversees his country's mission in Katmandu from there. He is currently visiting Katmandu and called on the prime minister on Thursday.