Krishna in Nepal on 3-day visit

I / Kathmandu January 15, 2010, 14:30 IST

With the objective of enhancing and diversifying bilateral ties, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrived here today on a three-day visit during which the two countries will sign four pacts entailing India's developmental assistance to Nepal.

Krishna, who is on his first visit here as External Affairs Minister, was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala.

"This first visit of mine is to further strengthen bilateral relations and extend it to other areas which have not been covered so far," Krishna told reporters on his arrival here.

Noting that the two countries enjoyed civilisational links and have cordial ties, he said "India's foreign policy gives topmost priority to Nepal".

The two sides will sign four pacts, including one for construction of a road in Terai. The road, that will provide better connectivity with India, will be built at a cost of Rs 680 crore.

Another pact will be in the power sector and entails electrification of five villages in Nepal.

MoUs will also be signed for establishment of a Scientific and Research Centre in Nepal and providing Central Depository System facility for Nepal Stock Exchange.

Koirala said Krishna's visit was "very important" as it was after a long time that a high-level Indian leader had come to Nepal.

She noted that issues like Nepal's peace process and stability will figure prominently in her discussions with Krishna.

"We hope we will get support from India," Koirala said when asked what role Nepal expected India to play in the strengthening of its peace process.

"Our first priority is stability (of Nepal)... Without stability we cannot have development and India is willing to invest (for development of Nepal)," Koirala said.

Krishna noted that India's close relations with Nepal encompass a broad spectrum including trade, commerce, investment, water resources, security, power, education and human resource development.