During a meeting held on the sideline of the 67th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha and Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna concluded that the meeting was important to take forward the bilateral relations between the two countries.[break]
The JC meeting is expected to review various facets of bilateral relations, including issues of economic cooperation, trade and transit and water resources. Among other, it is also likely to finalize the terms of reference of the proposed Eminent Person´s Group and pave the way for the visit of Indian prime minister to Nepal.
“Both sides felt the importance of organizing Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting at an early date. They instructed the respective foreign secretaries to carry out necessary groundwork to that end,” said a press statement issued by Nepal´s Permanent Mission in New York.
On the occasion, Indian Foreign Minister Krishna had inquired about the status of peace and constitutional drafting process in Nepal. Shrestha briefed him on the overall situation of Nepal, according to the statement.
Minister Krishna also wished success of entire process and hoped that it would be in the best interests of the people of Nepal. “Both the leaders discussed matters of mutual interests and exchanged views on issues related to strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries,” the statement further said.
Minister Shrestha also held meeting with Foreign Minister of Cuba Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla and Under Secretary General of the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations Jeffrey Feltman.
“During the meeting with Under Secretary Feltman, talks were held on the current political situation of Nepal, the technical aspects 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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha also participated in an interaction on “Nepal towards Transformation: The Future of Federalism and National Sovereignty,” organized jointly by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and a number of Nepalese community organizations in New York. Views were expressed on the issues of Non-resident Nepalis and the political situation of Nepal.
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