India is committed to strengthen its multifaceted and mutually beneficial ties with Nepal and supports the aspiration of Nepalese people for peace and stability, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today said as he held talks with senior political leaders here.
Jaishankar met his Nepalese counterpart Shanker Das Bairagi and called on Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subhas Chandra Nemwang and Foreign Minister Mahendra Pandey at their offices at Singhdurbar secretariat.
On the first day of his two-day visit, he also held meeting with senior political leaders, including UCPN-Maoist chief Prachanda and vice-chairman of the party Baburam Bhattarai to discuss the latest political situation in Nepal.
Nemwang told the Foreign Secretary that he was hopeful of political parties forging consensus on contentious issues of the new constitution.
He expressed hope that the political parties would forge consensus on key issues by April 6 so as to pave way for promulgating the new constitution by May end.
During his bilateral meeting with Bairagi, the two sides also discussed ways to utilise USD 1 billion credit line announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nepal in November last year.
Earlier on his arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport this morning, Jaishankar said his visit is the second leg of the 'SAARC Yatra' and reflects the importance India accords to its relations with Nepal.
"During my stay here I hope to review progress made in our bilateral cooperation following the historic visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal last year," he said.
India is committed to strengthen its multifaceted and mutually beneficial relationship with Nepal as part of its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, he said.
"We support the aspiration of the people of Nepal for peace, stability, prosperity and progress," he said.
During the high-level meetings, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and matters relating to mutual interest, according to Foreign Ministry sources.
Jaishankar also sought Nepal's support for India's candidacy for the UN Security Council, Pandey told reporters after the meeting.
Jaishankar is scheduled to call on President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and other senior leaders during the visit.
