DPM Shrestha meets his Indian counterpart in New York

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs held a bilateral meeting with Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of India, S. M. Krishna, on the sidelines of the 67th United Nations General Assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha shakes hands with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna...

During the meeting held on Saturday, both the leaders discussed matters of mutual interests and exchanged views on issues related to strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

On the curiosity of the External Affairs Minister of India, DPM Shrestha updated on the peace and constitution making process and the overall political situation of Nepal. The Indian Foreign Minister wished for success of the entire process in the best interest of the people of Nepal.

Both sides felt the importance of organizing Nepal-India Joint Commission Meeting at an early date. In this respect, they instructed the respective Foreign Secretaries to fix the date at the earliest and carry out necessary groundwork to that end.

Both sides also agreed to pay attention to the issues of immediate concerns to the people.

Similarly, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs also met with, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba. Views were exchanged on the political situations of both the countries and experiences of both sides shared during the meeting. Discussions were also held on strengthening bilateral relations, including the possibility of visits from each side.

DPM Shrestha also held talks with Jeffrey Feltman, Under Secretary-General of the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations. Talks were held on the current political situation of Nepal, the technical aspect of completion of the peace process comprising integration of the ex-Maoist combatants into the national army, and the issues related to establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Under Secretary- General showed interest to visit Nepal at an early convenient date.

Meanwhile, DPM Shrestha participated in an interaction programme entitled, "Nepal towards Transformation: The Future of Federalism and National Sovereignty." The program was organized jointly by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and a number of Nepalese community organizations in New York in honour of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Views were expressed on the issues of Non-resident Nepalese and the improvement of political situation in Nepal during the programme. nepalnews.com