Hope to visit Nepal by end of 2016: John Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed hope that he could visit Nepal by the end of 2016.

During a meeting with visiting Nepali Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa on Monday, Kerry said he was willing to visit Nepal as soon as possible and expressed his hope that the visit could take place by the end of this year, Xinhua news agency cited a statement issued by Nepal embassy in Washington.

Thapa, who is also the in-charge of foreign affairs, briefed Kerry about the current political situation in the Himalayan nation, constitution promulgation and its amendment in detail.

He also briefed Kerry about reconstruction and rehabilitation works undertaken by Nepali government in the aftermath of the April 25, 2015 devastating earthquake that caused huge loss of life and property including the cultural heritage in Kathmandu Valley.

Thapa also appreciated the US government for the continual financial and economic cooperation to the country and hoped to enhance the level of support and cooperation in the future.

Underscoring the importance of exchange of high-level visits between the two countries in further strengthening bilateral relations, Thapa invited Kerry to visit Nepal at the earliest convenient time.

Kerry congratulated the government of Nepal on the tremendous job of the promulgation of the constitution, including its amendment that incorporates the expectation and inspiration of the people.

While assuring of all sorts of moral, political and financial support for the peace, stability and economic development of Nepal, Kerry appreciated Nepal's role in the maintenance of international peace and security through its contribution of peacekeepers.