KATHMANDU, March 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel held a meeting with UN Under-Secretary General for Operational Support Atul Khare, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various issues including the operational challenges faced by the UN peacekeepers as well as the management of major equipment for enhancing effectiveness of the peacekeeping towards the maintenance of international peace and security, according to a press release issued by Nepal's Permanent Mission to United Nations based in New York.

On the occasion, Pokhrel expressed Nepal's full support to the reforms and initiatives of the UN to enhance coherence and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

He also called for more representation at the leadership position from the troops and police contributing countries, both at the headquarters and the fields.

While appreciating the professionalism and performance of Nepali peacekeepers, Under-Secretary General Khare assured UN's full support and cooperation for enhancing capability of Nepali peacekeepers.

Also present in the meeting were Assistant Secretaries-General Christian Saunders and Lisa Buttenheim from the Department of Operational Support. Minister Pokhrel was accompanied by Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Amrit Bahadur Rai and other members of the visiting delegation as well as the officials of the Permanent Mission of Nepal.

Deputy Prime Minister Pokharel arrived in New York on Wednesday leading a Nepali delegation to attend the "United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance and Protection" to be held on Friday. He was welcomed at the John F. Kennedy International Airport by Ambassador Raiand other officials of the Permanent Mission and the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.

 
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