Kathmandu, December 20

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who is on an official visit to the United States of America, held talks with senior US officials in Washington DC today.

Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver called on Gaywali. Strengthening the capacity of Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre and the capacity building of Nepali Army personnel were among the matters discussed during the meeting, said a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Washington DC.

Similarly, Minister Gyawali held a meeting with Chief Operating Officer of Millennium Challenged Cooperation Jonathan Nash at the MCC headquarters.

The two sides exchanged views on necessary steps to get the compact enter into force within the stipulated time-frame. They also concurred that completion of projects under the compact would bring important economic benefits to Nepal.

Gyawali also held a meeting with Deputy Assistant to the US President and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council Lisa Curtis at the Eisenhower Executive Building.

The two sides shared views on bilateral relations as well as on matters pertaining to regional and global affairs. They also underlined the importance of increasing the frequency of  high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Likewise, Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi held a meeting with Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID David H Moore at the USAIF Headquarters. They deliberated on future course of development cooperation in Nepal.

Addressing a reception organised in Washington DC yesterday, Minister Gyawali had highlighted the political achievements made in Nepal in recent times. He also spoke on the importance of Nepal-US relations and the significance of his meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Richard Pompeo.

In that meeting, Minister Gyawali highlighted the priorities of the Government of Nepal in line with its goal to graduate from LDC status at an early date and become a middle-income country by 2030.