KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that Nepal and India are looking forward to a result-oriented and meaningful visit to India by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Speaking at a press conference at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday after returning from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khanal said the date for the visit had not yet been finalized, although discussions between the two sides were progressing positively.
Responding to a question about the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to India, Khanal said India had extended an invitation shortly after the formation of the government.
“Immediately after the formation of the government, we visited India and China on a priority basis and clearly presented Nepal’s priority issues to both neighbouring countries,” he said.
Khanal said both Nepal and India were positive about Prime Minister Shah’s visit, but that a specific date had yet to be agreed upon. “An invitation for the Prime Minister’s visit to India was received early on, and Nepal has viewed it positively,” Khanal said. “Both sides are positive about undertaking a result-oriented visit at an appropriate time. However, the date for the visit has not been finalized yet.”
Meanwhile, Khanal described Nepal’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly as highly fruitful in advancing the country’s national interests.
He said he used meetings with heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers from around the world to highlight Nepal’s national priorities, the country’s post-flood situation and challenges arising from climate change.
“We have prioritized Nepal’s national interests by making the most of opportunities for bilateral and multilateral discussions with heads of state, heads of government and foreign ministers from around the world during the United Nations General Assembly,” he said. “We clearly presented the post-disaster situation following the Bhote Koshi floods and the challenges Nepal faces due to climate change on the international stage, while utilizing every possible opportunity.”
Khanal said the government had made maximum use of available opportunities to advance Nepal’s national interests. He added that the government attaches high priority to relations with neighbouring countries and expressed confidence that Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India would further strengthen bilateral ties and make them more result-oriented.
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