'India accords highest priority to relations with Nepal'

Kathmandu, April 20: India today (April 20) said it accorded highest priority to its ties with Nepal and was committed to working with people here for stability, democracy and economic prosperity of this country, which is witnessing a political deadlock that has stalled the progress in its peace process.

"We are here to strengthen economic cooperation and contribute to Nepal's development," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who arrived here on a three-day visit, said.

He said that India was committed to working with the people of Nepal for peace, stability, democracy and economic prosperity of this country.

Krishna, who was accompanied by a seven-member delegation including Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, was received by Nepalese Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikary on his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

The External Affairs Minister, who would be holding high- level talks here, is also scheduled to visit Birgunj where he would inaugurate an Integrated Check Post built under the Indian assistance and also lay the foundation stone of the Terai Fast Track Road to be built under Indian cooperation.

"These projects will contribute towards Nepal's international trade and economic development," he said, adding India accorded highest priority to its relations with Nepal.

During his visit, Krishna, who is here at the invitation of the Nepalese government, would meet President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal and also hold bilateral talks with Adhikary.

He would also meet Maoist chief Prachanda and Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala during his visit. This is his second trip to Nepal. Earlier, he had paid a visit here in January 2010.

PTI