Nepal to maintain 'equidistance' b/w India-China: Prachanda

New Delhi, Jun 13: Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist (CPN-M) leader Prachanda has said that his country would maintain "equidistance" between China and India - the Himalayan country's two neighbours. "Equidistance means not siding with one country against another. My exact meaning of equidistance is to have good relations with both the neighbours," Prachanda said.

When it comes to foreign relations, "ideology will not be a barrier. We are eager to have diplomatic relations with countries, which do not share our ideology," he said. Prachanda expressed cautious optimism on relations with the US, which still has the Maoist group on its terrorist blacklist. He also said the new government will take strong measures against anti-China activities in his country. Prachanda hopes to visit China soon and seek inspiration in Chairman Mao's hometown Shaoshan. "I am very eager to visit China," The China Daily quoted Prachanda, as saying.

"When our Communication Minister was there (in China) he was instructed to prepare for my visit. I hope I will soon be in Beijing," Prachanda said, referring to Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara's visit to Beijing earlier this month. I want to go to Chairman Mao's village and home to get some more inspiration by seeing and feeling," Prachanda said.

ANI