India's interest in Nepal is peace, stability, prosperity: President Mukherjee

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday.

Welcoming Prime Minister Prachanda, the President congratulated him on his election as the Prime Minister of Nepal.

He appreciated his selecting India for his first visit abroad as Prime Minister. He also expressed his happiness that the Nepalese Prime Minister was staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President said that Prime Minister Prachanda has assumed office at an important juncture in Nepal's history.

"India recognizes the immense contribution made by him in bringing peace to Nepal. It is necessary to complete the peace process and establish a political system that accommodates the political and economic interests of all sections of Nepal's society," President Mukherjee added.

He wished Prime Minister Prachanda every success in his endeavours to promote national cohesion and reconciliation.

The President said India deeply values its historical and traditionally close relations with Nepal.

"India hopes that the government under Prime Minister Prachanda will work to further strengthen the age old relations between the two countries," he added.

The President reiterated that India's interest in Nepal is peace, stability and prosperity and India has nothing but goodwill for Nepal.