Mukherjee assures India's cooperation during political leaders' me

Kathmandu, Dec 17 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today met leaders of various political parties in Nepal and expressed India's continued cooperation in the ongoing peace process in the Himalayan country.

Mr Mukherjee, here on a brief one day visit to hand over the invitation letter to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala for the 14th SAARC summit to be held in New Delhi in April next year, also held, meetings with General Secretary of the CPN, UML Madhav Kumar Nepal and president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba and assured India's cooperation for the ongoing peace process.

The also welcomed the interim constitution inked by seven parties coalition government and the Maoists, removing any role King Gyanendra in the state affairs of the Himalayan nation, which was ruled by the Kings for 238 years.

Mr Mukherjee is the first Minister from India to visit Nepal after the historic changes ushered in by the People's Movement of April 2006.

''His visit provided an opportunity to discuss the progress and possibilities in the wide-ranging, close and multidimensional ties between India and Nepal, especially in the context of the landmark visit of Prime Minister Koirala to India in June 2006,''the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said in a press release issued here.

''In all his meetings with Nepali dignitaries, the commitment of the Government of India to further strengthen the close, historical and friendly relations with Nepal, which are a matter of the highest priority for India, was reiterated,'' the release added.

''It was also stressed that at this crucial time in Nepal's history, India remains steadfast, as ever, to extend all possible assistance to Nepal in accordance with the priorities and wishes of the government and people of Nepal,'' the embassy said.

UNI XC SHB RN1728