Sushma Swaraj hold talks with Nepali counterpart in New Delhi

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met her Nepali counterpart Prakash Sharan Mahat in the national capital and held talks on issues of mutual interest, covering the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges between the two countries.

"Preparing the ground for an important visit. EAM @SushmaSwaraj receives FM Prakash Sharan

Mahat of Nepal in Delhi," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and deepen age-old, close and friendly ties in diverse sectors such as trade and mutual investments, defence and security, economic and development partnership, infrastructure development, energy and water resources, and forging connectivities to facilitate movement of goods and services, people and ideas, a statement issued by the MEA said.

This is Mahat's first visit abroad after assuming office last month.

The statement said the visit is part of regular high-level bilateral exchanges between the two countries.

Mahat , who is on a three-day visit here, prior to the visit, said efforts would be made to bring the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project into force during Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's upcoming visit, reports the Himalayan Times.

He stated that Dahal's visit is expected to focus on ensuring the enforcement of agreements reached between the two countries earlier.

Mahat is accompanied by the Ministry's Joint-Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana. He is scheduled to return Nepal on Tuesday.