EMBASSY OF INDIA TO THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM

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Opening Remarks by Foreign Secretary during pre-departure Press Conference

21/06/2009

1.I have just completed a busy two day visit to Kathmandu.

2. During my stay in Kathmandu, I called on the President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal. I also called on the Foreign Minister Ms. Sujata Koirala.

3. I had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary of Nepal. We reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed issues of mutual interest.

4. I was received by Nepalese leaders across the political spectrum including the former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress, former Prime Minister and Chairman of UCPN (Maoist) and Chairman of CPN (UML).

5. The purpose of the visit was to exchange views on the future course and prospects of our bilateral relations. There have been major developments in Nepal and India. We have undergone a general election where the government got a strong popular mandate for its foreign and domestic policies and plans. A new government has also been formed in Nepal. It is therefore natural that the two close and friendly neighbours, who are linked in so many ways which are unique to us, should, at this moment, exchange views on the future course of our relations.

6. India has an interest in the success of Nepal’s transition to multi party democracy and peace process. These are issues which are to be decided and settled by the Nepali people and their representatives. For our part, India will continue to support Nepal in its transition in the hope that the fraternal Nepali people achieve their aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future. India will do all it can to help these processes of positive change in Nepal.

7. I return to India convinced of the significance and great potential of India-Nepal relations, which is heightened in these times of rapid change. Relations with Nepal are and will continue to be a matter of the highest priority for India. A peaceful democratic Nepal is in the interest of the Nepali people, of India and of our region.

Thank You.

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