×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Nepal visit more successful than expected, says Sushma

Last Updated 27 July 2014, 18:48 IST

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj described her three-day visit to Nepal as “very successful” during which the two neighbours agreed to finalise the text of a power trade deal and “review and adjust” a crucial treaty of 1950 to reflect the current realities.

“I am highly satisfied with my visit to Nepal and the visit was more successful than expected,” Swaraj said talking briefly to mediapersons at the Tribhuvan International Airport here on Sunday.

“I had come here with high expectations and aspirations and the visit turned to be much more successful than I had expected,” Swaraj said.

“I have already said that the visit would strengthen Nepal-India relations and we have prepared a full roadmap for the purpose,” she said.

Swaraj said both sides agreed to step up cooperation in a number of key areas.During her visit, the minister met Nepal’s top leaders including President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. Swaraj also met UCPN-Maoist chief and Leader of Opposition Prachanda.

Swaraj also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam, who is also the acting chairman of the CPN-UML, which is a constituent of the ruling coalition. 

Swaraj was in Nepal to co-chair the meeting of the Indo-Nepal Joint Commission (JC) which was held on Saturday after a gap of 23 years and to prepare the ground for the two-day official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from August 3 — the first visit by an Indian prime minister in over 17 years. The late Prime Minister I K Gujral had visited Nepal in 1997.

“We have agreed on 26 points,” Swaraj said mentioning about the 26 point joint communique issued at the conclusion of the Nepal-India Joint Commission Meeting.

She also performed prayers at the revered Hindu temple Pashupatinath amid tight security. The two countries also agreed to “review and adjust” the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 to reflect the current realties.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 27 July 2014, 18:48 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT