India, Nepal discuss issues of mutual interest

New Delhi, Sep 12:

Issues of mutual interest were discussed during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Nepalese counterpart, Prakash Sharan Mahat, here on Monday ahead of the visit of the Himalayan nation’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, later this week.

“Both the ministers held wide ranging talks on issues of mutual interest, and covering the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges between the two countries,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

“Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and deepen age-old, close and friendly ties in diverse sectors such as trade and mutual investments, defense and security, economic and development partnership, infrastructure develoment, energy and water resources, and forging connectivities to facilitate movement of goods and services, people and ideas,” it stated.

This is Mahat’s first visit abroad since the new Maoist-led government assumed power last month after the ouster of K.P. Sharma Oli as Prime Minister.

In a separate statement, the ministry said that Prachanda will be visiting India, along with his wife Sita Dahal, from September 15 to 18.

The Nepalese leader will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16 and also meet President Pranab Mukherjee and other Indian ministers.

“The visit of the PM of Nepal will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as seek ways to strengthen the age old, close and friendly ties between the two countries in diverse sectors,” the statement said. (IANS)