Mukherjee meets Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda

Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda today paid a courtesy call on visiting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and resolved to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' paid a visit to Mukherjee this evening and expressed his pleasure to welcome him in Kathmandu.
"Such high-level meetings will help in further strengthening bilateral ties between Nepal and India," Prachanda said as he recalled his meetings in New Delhi during his recent visit to India in September.
Mukherjee, the first Indian President to visit Nepal in 18 years, appreciated the efforts made by Nepal in implementing the Constitution.

"India stands by Nepal in its efforts to attain progress and development," said Mukherjee.
He also held discussions with the senior leaders of various political parties including the leaders of the agitating Madhesi parties, who are largely of Indian-origin, and had been protesting over better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the new Constitution.

Earlier, Mukherjee, 80, who is on a three-day state visit to Nepal, started his day by offering prayers at the historical Pashupatinath Temple.
Later, he was conferred an honorary D.Litt by Kathmandu University (KU) in recognition of his contribution to the international relations, public administration and leading a successful political career.

Mukherjee also held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari and other top leaders yesterday to strengthen the bilateral relation between the two countries.