KATHMANDU, Nov 3: Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed the commitment on behalf of India to support as much as possible the continued progress and development of Nepal.

Addressing a civic felicitation organised in his honour by Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) here this evening, President Mukherjee said India would support Nepal's development priorities and the post-quake reconstruction. He expressed the confidence that the grant assistance announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal would be useful for the development-constructions works in the country.

Expressing satisfaction over the fruitful relations between India and Nepal, President Mukherjee emphasized on the need to implement the new constitution in Nepal with the support of all aspects of the Nepali society. It will then pave the way for Nepal's development, he added.

Economic progress, political stability and peace in Nepal is what India wishes to see, and would always support to that end.

Recalling the contributions of the leaders of Nepal to the movement spearheaded by his country leaders to liberate India from British colonial rule, President Mukherjee said India has accorded high respect to their dedication.

India has attached utmost importance to the historical and traditional relations with Nepal and the prime objective of this visit is to further deepen and consolidate the relations by promoting mutual understanding between the two nations.

The India-Nepal relations are good and improved not only at government level but also at the people-to-people level, he added. "Kathmandu is not only the political capital but also a spiritual centre. Thousands of Indians come here to offer worships at Pashupatinath and Muktinath. Nepali revellers also go to pilgrim sites such as Kashi and Biswonath of India. This visit is my pilgrimage as well", the President noted.

Expressing happiness for receiving warm respect from Kathmandu denizens, he thanked for offering him the civic reception.

On the occasion, Chief Executive of Kathmandu Metropolis Rudra Singh Tamang handed over a symbolic key of Kathmandu Metropolis to President Mukherjee.

Following the hand over, Chief Executive Tamang expressed the confidence that the visit by President Mukherjee would add a new dimension to the age-old and close relations between Nepal and India, and also contribute to promoting the social, economic and cultural proximity, and the multi-dimensional relations at the citizens level.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Foreign Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Hitraj Pandey, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Bahadur Shahai and other distinguished personalities were present on the occasion.

Also present were Indian State Minister for Defense Subhas Bhamre and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae.

At the end of the function, President Mukherjee signed on the visitor' book of Kathmandu Metropolis while Chief Executive Tamang presented a wooden replica of an artistic door of Kathmandu valley and the statue of Manjushree goddess as token of love from Kathmandu. RSS

 
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