Oli, Modi discuss cooperation over lockdown

Published On: April 11, 2020 08:45 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Photo: Republica/Files

KATHMANDU, April 11: Prime Minister KP Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held telephone conversation on Friday to address the problems that have surfaced due to the nationwide lockdowns both the countries have enforced to contain the spread of COVID-19.

According to Prime Minister Oli, they discussed various measures to enhance cooperation in the battle against the novel coronavirus. "We stressed the need for taking care of each other's citizens who are left stranded along the bordering areas due to the lockdowns imposed in both the countries," Oli tweeted after the telephone conversation.

Amid concerns in Nepal that the continued nationwide lockdown could create shortages, Prime Minister Oli said shared that they discussed about keeping the supplies of goods smooth. "I expressed gratitude to the Indian government for providing medicines and equipment," he Oli.

Indian PM Modi said that discussion dwelt on the prevailing situation due to COVID-19 with the Nepali side. "I appreciate the determination of people of Nepal to fight this challenge. We stand in solidarity with Nepal in our common fight against COVID-19," Modi said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement later on Friday said the two Prime Ministers discussed the present situation of fight against COVID-19 and agreed to further intensify the ongoing efforts. In the context of the lockdowns in both the countries, the two prime ministers agreed to look after the welfare and medical care of the people of two countries currently living in each other's territory, according to MoFA.

Prime Minister Oli expressed thanks to Indian side for the supply of essential medicines and medical logistics that are in the pipeline. "The two prime ministers expressed satisfaction on the smooth supply of essential goods across the border and underlined the need for ensuring its continuity in the present situation," said the statement.

The two prime ministers also expressed satisfaction that the video conference of the SAARC leaders provided a timely impetus to all countries in the region to intensify their efforts of fighting against COVID-19.