KATHMANDU, April 26 (Nepal Foreign Affairs)–If things go as planned, U.S Secretary of State John Kerry will pay an official visit to Nepal by the end of 2016.
During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa at the State Department on Monday, the U.S Secretary of State said that he is willing to visit Nepal as soon as possible and expressed his hope that the visit could take place by the end of this year, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Thapa briefed him about the current political situation in the country, constitution promulgation and its amendment in detail as well as reconstruction and rehabilitation works undertaken by the Government of Nepal in the aftermath of the April 2015 devastating earthquake that triggered huge loss of life and properties including the cultural heritage in Kathmandu Valley.
The DPM appreciated the US government for the continual financial and economic cooperation to Nepal and hoped the enhanced 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 his counterpart to visit Nepal at earliest convenient time.
While welcoming Thapa, Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated to the Government of Nepal for 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, the US Secretary of State appreciated Nepal’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security through its contribution of peacekeepers.
At the invitation of DPM Thapa to visit Nepal, the US Secretary of State expressed his willingness to visit Nepal as soon as possible and expressed his hope that the visit could take place by the end of this year.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was accompanied by Ambassador of Nepal to the United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Deputy Chief of Mission Rishi Ram Ghimire and other officials from the Ministry and the Embassy.
Whereas Honorable Secretary of State John Kerry was accompanied by Honorable Ambassador Thomas A Shannon, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and officials of the State Department.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs will have a luncheon meeting with Congressman Jared Polis, Co-chair of Congressional Nepal Caucus, during which matters such as current political development, constitution of Nepal as well as economic development and the reconstruction process will be discussed.
Later, he will also address as key note speaker to a talk program on the theme of “Consolidation of Peace, Stability and Democracy in Nepal and Nepal-US Partnership for Enhanced Prosperity” organized by the U S Institute of Peace.