Prez. VP congratulate their Napalese counterparts

New Delhi, Jul 23 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari today congratulated their Nepalese counterparts for being elected Pesident and Vice President of the Republic of Nepal and said India looked forward to working closely to strengthen cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

In a letter to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, President Pratibha Patil said the recent elections in the Himalayan nation represented a new chapter in its historic democratic transition.

She said India attached the highest priority to further developing closed and multi-faceted relationship with Nepal and expressed confidence that Nepal would progress further on the path of peace, democracy and development.

In his message to Nepal's Vice President Parmanand Jha Mr Hamid Ansari expressed India's continued support and assistance in the transition to a democratic, inclusive, stable and prosperous Nepal.

Mr Ansari said he looked forward to working closely with Mr Jha in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

UNI RB RL KN1923