Statement by Foreign Secretary of India Mr. Shyam Saran

I am happy to be back in Kathmandu after a gap of a year and a half. My visit is a follow up to the cordial and friendly meeting between His Majesty the King of Nepal and our Prime Minister recently in Dhaka during the SAARC Summit. Both leaders had agreed that given the long-standing as well as wide-ranging relations that exist between our two friendly neighbouring countries, it was important for us to remain in touch regularly, at different levels, in order to consolidate and expand our relations.

During this visit, I had wide-ranging and fruitful discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest and concern. His Majesty was gracious to grant me an audience today. I also had discussions with Their Excellencies the two Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers, the Foreign Minister and the Home Minister and met Acting Foreign Secretary of Nepal. There was opportunity to interact with several political party leaders as well. I was also happy to meet a number of old friends and acquaintances.

In all my meetings, I have conveyed that the restoration of peace and stability and economic recovery in Nepal is not only in the interest of Nepal but also in India’s interest. India stands ready to support all efforts aimed at bringing about a peaceful resolution to the problems confronting Nepal.