LUMBINI, MARCH 22Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Lumbini is the fountain of Buddhism besides being the birthplace of Buddha and there can be no better choice of venue than Lumbini to deliberate on the agenda of peace and prosperity.

"The Buddha, Buddhism and Lumbini are integral.

Buddhism cannot be differentiated from the Buddha; it cannot be dissociated from Lumbini," he added.Inaugurating the International Conclave on Global Peace for Prosperity in Lumbini on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister said Buddha and Lumbini have spread messages for the establishment of world peace.The peace, harmony and compassion are the innate attributes that we have inherited from Gautam Buddha and the teachings of Buddha on compassion, kindness and empathy are timeless and continue to be relevant today, the Deputy Prime Minister argued. He said Lumbini, the revered place, gave birth to the message of peace and the messenger, who dedicated his life in the quest for humanity's happiness, well-being, and emancipation.Being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the conclave has witnessed participation of ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions in Nepal, honourary consul generals, consuls of different countries for Nepal, experts on foreign affairs and heritage, and others.On the occasion, Shrestha called for world peace saying "The growing inter- and intra-state conflicts continue to dominate the political landscape.

Wars, armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalry, and polarization continue to pose threats to global peace and prosperity".Shrestha said the ongoing conflicts are multiplying the global economic distress and inequalities.

"Humanitarian needs are soaring.

Climate catastrophes are creating deeper woes for all of us."In his remarks, Shrestha said Lumbini is the centre of attraction for pilgrims, scholars, researchers, and those in search of truth and emancipation and this is a place to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha; and to ponder upon what these teachings mean in today's troubled world.The conclave has been organised with the objective of promoting Lumbini, increase investment in Nepal and enhance global fraternity.

Discussions and presentations on investment opportunities in Nepal and tourism potential will also be made.The event is being organized to connect Lumbini with nearly one billion Buddhists around the globe and to highlight the cultural and religious importance of Lumbini.

The event is also expected to contribute to increasing investment in Nepal. .

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