Pompeo meets Nepal min to thwart Chinese influence on the Himalayan nation

Pompeo emphasised the great potential for further development of US-Nepal ties

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a rare meeting with Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali as part of the Trump administration's effort to thwart increasing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation.

Pompeo described his meeting on Tuesday with Gyawali as historic and said this demonstrates America's commitment to its strong partnership with Nepal.

He emphasised the great potential for further development of US-Nepal ties, State Department deputy spokesperson Robert Palladino said.

During the meeting, Pompeo highlighted the enduring strength of the US-Nepal partnership and the close people-to-people ties that form the foundation of the relationship.

"The two leaders discussed Nepal's USD 500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, Nepal's central role in a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and global issues, including North Korea," Palladino said.