The Hindu : National : Mukherjee leaves Nepal satisfied

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Thursday, Nov 27, 2008
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Mukherjee leaves Nepal satisfied

Prerana Marasini

KATHMANDU: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday “reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the government and the people of Nepal in their quest to build multi-party democracy.”

Speaking in connection with an interactive discussion with members of the Constituent Assembly, Mr. Mukherjee said political consensus was needed to achieve “the ultimate objective” of multi-party democracy and to draft a new constitution. He said his visit to the country was satisfying and timely.

On Wednesday, before flying to New Delhi, Mr. Mukherjee undertook an aerial visit of the Kosi region. “We are working closely with Nepal to ensure work on the Kosi breach was completed by March, 2009,” he told journalists at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav said the Ministers also discussed the issues related to inundation problems and building of a transmission line.

Mr. Mukherjee also met top leaders of the country. He said all those discussions were “marked by cordiality and warmth … We will continue our efforts to impart new dynamism to our close, friendly and long standing bilateral ties with Nepal and to further strengthen our wide-ranging cooperation for mutual benefit,” he added. On Tuesday, he handed over a formal invitation from the President of India to Nepal’s President, Ram Baran Yadav, to visit India at an early mutually convenient date.

Extradition treaty

Mr. Mukherjee said a new extradition treaty and the treaty on mutual legal assistance would be soon signed. The two countries were also undertaking a mechanism to ensure “better border-management.”

Asked about Nepal’s growing intimacy with China, Mr. Mukherjee said, “It’s the practice of every sovereign country to build good relations with other countries.”

Mr. Mukherjee noted that concerns remained about the business environment in Nepal. A joint press statement issued at the end of his visit said he requested that these issues be addressed urgently and effectively.

“The Nepalese side reiterated the commitment of the government of Nepal to take necessary measures for the promotion of an investor-friendly business environment to encourage Indian public and private sector investments in Nepal,” it says. Dabur Nepal’s closure had worried Indian investors lately. Meanwhile, according to the statement, the Nepalese side appreciated the removal of a ban on the export of “some essential” commodities to Nepal by India. “While taking note of the removal of some of the barriers to trade, both Ministers agreed to hold regular discussions to further facilitate bilateral trade between the two countries,” it said.

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