Nepalese president Bidhya Devi Bhandari meets Sushma Swaraj

Ties between both the countries had strained last year after Madhesi community held agitation.

New Delhi, April 18: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, now on an official visit to the country, in New on Tuesday.

"Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RahstrapatiBhvn," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Earlier in the day Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari who arrived in New Delhi on Monday on her first overseas tour was given a ceremonial welcome at forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

After her ceremonial welcome she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Spokesperson of ministry of external affairs, Gopal Baglay had on Monday tweeted a welcome message for Nepalese president.

Bhandari was scheduled to visit India in May last year but her visit was cancelled as the Nepalese cabinet did not endorse the visit. The reason cited was lack of preparations on part of the government.

During the five-day visit, Bhandari will hold talks with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is also to hold talks with Vice-President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The visit of Nepalese president will focus on expanding cooperation between the two close strategic neighbours. Ties between both the countries had strained last year after Madhesi community held agitation.

OneIndia News