Kathmandu, April 27

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa has urged the UK government to address all the remaining issues related to British Gurkhas once and for all.

During his meeting with Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire in London yesterday, Thapa also requested the UK government to “give recognition to British Gurkhas for their tremendous sacrifices to British interest and cause”, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Nepal in London.

“Given the historical connection of Gurkhas in the two countries’ bilateral relations, and in the context of bicentennial celebration, that it was a very opportune moment for the British Government to address all remaining issues related to British Gurkhas once and for all,” the statement quoted DPM Thapa as telling State Minister Swire.

Swire responded that the UK government would make every possible effort to resolve the issue.

According to the embassy’s statement, Swire also assured increased political, moral and financial support to Nepal in the new context that has arisen after promulgation of the new constitution.

Thapa had reached London on Tuesday after attending a series of meetings in the United Nations in New York and Washington DC.

He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu tomorrow.