Modi's visit to strengthen bonds of friendship, says Nepal FM

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here, the first by an Indian premier in 17 years, Nepal today said it was hopeful of signing a Power Trade Agreement with India and deepen cooperation in areas such as economic, security and hydropower development.
"The two-day official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the invitation of Prime Minister Sushil Koirala will strengthen the bond of friendship and deepen the trust," Foreign Minister Mahendra Pandey told reporters here.
Pandey said Nepal is "very much hopeful about signing a Power Trade Agreement (PTA) with India during the visit" opening up avenues of cooperation in the areas of hydropower development between the two South Asian neighbors.

The draft of the PTA is ready and is waiting for approval from the cabinet, he said.
Once the cabinet formally endorses, it will be put forward during the bilateral meeting for putting signature, he added.
Prime Minister Modi's visit "will not only strengthen the close and cordial relationship between Nepal and India, but also will contribute towards expanding bilateral cooperation," said a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today.

Modi will be accorded a very special welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport when he arrives on Sunday.
Breaking protocol, Premier Koirala will personally receive Modi, who will be honoured with 19-gun salute.

The two Prime Ministers are set to meet at the Prime Minister's Office at Singhdurbar Secretariat on the same day.
The meeting will cover all the gamut of Nepal-India relations, from economic cooperation to security, from hydropower development to tourism promotion, Pandey said.
"The high-level talks between the Prime Ministers of the two countries will set a road map of friendship and I am confident that the visit will be fruitful," he said.