Press Briefings
Remarks by FS at media interaction in Kathmandu
15/09/2009
It is an honour and a privilege to be in this beautiful city, the capital of Nepal. It brought back fond memories of my previous visits. It has been a very busy but most useful visit to Kathmandu. This is also my first visit to Kathmandu after assuming the charge of the Foreign Secretary.
2. During my stay, I called on the President Rt Hon’ble Dr. Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Rt Hon’ble Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal. I also called on Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Foreign Minister H.E. Ms. Sujata Koirala, Home Minister H.E. Mr. Bhim Bahadur Rawal and Defence Minister H.E. Ms. Bidya Devi Bhandari.
3. I conveyed to the Prime Minister of Nepal the Greetings and the best wishes of Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and our commitment to the fulfilment of the various understanding reached during his visit to India last month.
4. In my meeting with Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, Foreign Secretary of Nepal, we reviewed bilateral cooperation and had a very useful discussion on issues of mutual interest.
5. The purpose of the visit was to exchange views on the further improvement of our bilateral relations and to focus on implementation of the rich and vast agenda agreed upon during the visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India as contained in the Joint Press Statement. As you know, the Civil Aviation Secretary level talks have already taken place in New Delhi during which both sides have agreed to increase the number of seats from 6000 to 30000 between Kathmandu and the Indian metros. This will promote tourism, people-to-people contact and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Home Secretary level talks will take place on November 6-7 in Kathmandu during which the entire gamut of bilateral security issues will be addressed. I reiterated India’s security concerns and the use of Nepalese territory for anti-India activities. The Nepalese side unequivocally reiterated their commitment that such activities will not be allowed.
6. I was received by Nepalese leaders across the political spectrum including the former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress, Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala and the Chairman of CPN (UML), Mr. Jhala Nath Khanal. I assured these leaders of India’s strong commitment of support to Nepal in its transition to a democratic, prosperous, peaceful and stable future.
7. I visited the sacred and revered Pashupatinath Temple today. The political leaders, with whom I interacted, have conveyed their regret at the recent unfortunate incident involving the unprovoked attack on Indian priests that took place at Pashupatinath. The Government of Nepal has reassured me that they have taken all necessary measures to ensure the security and well being of the Indian priests and continuation of regular prayers at the temple.
8. India has an abiding interest in the success of Nepal’s transition to multi-party democracy and the completion of the peace process. A peaceful, democratic and prosperous Nepal is in the interest of the Nepali people, of India and of our region. India is committed to assist the Government and people of Nepal in these processes of historic change in Nepal.
9. I am convinced of the significance and the 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.
Thank you.
September 15, 2009