India, Nepal hold discussions on strengthening bilateral ties

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) Ahead of the peace talks between the Koirala government and Maoists, India and Nepal today held discussions on strengthening bilateral relations while Kathmandu briefed New Delhi on the ongoing reconciliation process with the rebels.

Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, currently in India, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee here today and apprised them of the Koirala government's moves to consolidate peace and democracy in the Himalayan kingdom.

Mr Oli, who arrived here yesterday on a week-long visit, described his visit as a ''goodwill visit'' and said there was no specific agenda.

The visit would focus on getting increased cooperation from India for Nepal's development and consolidation of peace and democracy.

Sources said he was here to seek India's support for Nepal's efforts for peace with Maoists in his country.

During his meetings with the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister, the state of India-Nepal relations were discussed.

The Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata.

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