KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 1

The Millennium Challenge Corporation released a statement on the delay in ratifying the Nepal Compact owing to the Parliament's recess.

According to the statement, the United States and Nepal have forged a partnership based on shared values, democratic ideals, and trust for more than 70 years. 'From disaster assistance after the 2015 earthquake to our ongoing whole-of-government response to the coronavirus pandemic – including the donation of 1.6 million COVID19 vaccines to date – the United States has been there for the people of Nepal in their greatest times of need,' the statement read.

'The $500 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a continuation of the strong partnership between the United States and Nepal to reduce poverty through economic growth.'

MCC's senior delegation visit to Nepal in September, which provided clarifications on the MCC-Nepal Compact, combined with recent commitments from the Government of Nepal confirming their ongoing support for the compact have laid a clear path forward for the compact.

The recess of Nepal's Parliament without ratification further delays benefits to millions of Nepali households.

However, coalition leaders have expressed that they understand the steps they need to take to ratify the compact, which is required under Nepal's laws.

'The delays to ratification jeopardize the critical and timely support this $500 million grant would provide to help more than 23 million Nepalis access reliable energy and safer roads.'

The decision whether to move forward with the compact now rests with Nepal, the MCC concluded.