PM's India visit to prioritize expediting existing projects

Published On: September 5, 2016 12:40 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Republica File Photo

KATHMANDU, Sept 5: With his visit to India fast approaching, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expedited preparations to finalize agenda items to be discussed with the Indian side during the visit. He is reportedly scheduled to fly to New Delhi on September 15. However the government has yet to announce the date for the visit.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Dahal held a meeting with ministers and secretaries from various ministries and discussed the possible agenda items for bilateral discussions with the Indian officials.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat said that the preparations regarding Prime Minister's India visit has been intensified. He said that this time the prime minister's visit will give top priority to expediting the existing projects that are being developed with Indian assistance rather than signing new projects.

"Today's meeting was just for preliminary discussion on the possible agenda items. We will finalize the issues within a few days," Mahat told Republica.

He said that the secretaries from various ministries including the ministry of finance, home affairs, physical infrastructure, energy and the ministry of foreign affairs briefed the prime minister on the progress of the development projects that are being carried out in the country with financial support from the Indian government.

'The Indian side has also suggested some agenda items for the bilateral meetings. We will hold discussion on those agenda items as well," Minister Mahat said.

Prime Minister Dahal is set to visit India from September 15-18. Prime Minister Dahal will hold meetings with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and several ministers and other top officials in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal is scheduled to leave for New York to attend the United Nations' General Assembly following his India visit. According to Mahat, the prime minister is likely to visit the United States of America on September 19 after attending the special function to mark the first anniversary of the promulgation of the new constitution in the country.