Nepal: Pradhan discusses bilateral issues with acting PM

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met acting Nepal Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel here on Friday. The two leaders discussed various bilateral issues and ways to further enhance the age-old India-Nepal friendship.

Pradhan is on a two-day visit to the Himalayan nation. He was received by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri today.

Pradhan held bilateral talks with the Nepal's Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply Matrika Prasad Yadav in the afternoon.

Earlier the union minister met Nepal's Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa. During his visit, he will meet Nepal's Education Minister Girirajmani Pokhrael and would also pay a courtesy call to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

In the evening, the minister will offer his prayers at the famous Pashupatinath temple.

On Saturday, Pradhan will visit Janakpur and offer his prayers at the famous Janaki temple. He is also slated to visit the identified site for proposed Skill Development Center in Dhanushadham.

Before returning to New Delhi, Pradhan will pay a visit to Amelkhganj to see the progress of Motihari-Amelkhganj oil pipeline. The 69-kilometre long pipeline will ensure a smooth, cost-effective and environment-friendly supply of petroleum products to the Himalayan nation.