South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, July 9: Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal at the latter’s office, Singha Durbar today. In the meeting Speaker Aryal shared that the government had completed its first 100 days. Aryal expressed gratitude to Indian government for its support during the recently held elections in Nepal. Speaker Aryal reminded that the relations between Nepal and India are based on common civilization, geographical proximity, socio-cultural ties, which he argued, would be further bolstered through bilateral mechanisms focused on the topics of trade, security, civil aviation, water resources and connectivity. The exchange of high-level visits has further reinforced the relations between the two countries. Expansion of connectivity through civil aviation, rail and bus services will further deepen the relations, he said, expecting bilateral cooperation on these areas in future, he added. On the occasion, the Speaker shared that he had extended an invitation to Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha, Om Birla, to visit Nepal. He is ready to welcome him to Nepal at a time convenient for both sides, according to Aryal. Ambassador Srivastava informed that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Birla, was interested in visiting Nepal. The Ambassador also invited the Speaker and members of parliament from Nepal to visit India to study and observe India’s parliamentary practices. Srivastava viewed parliamentary diplomacy and high-level political dialogue play vital roles in enriching the Nepal-India relations. The Indian government is committed to continuous cooperation in expanding trade, connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people relations, according to him.