Norwegian PM promises continued support to Nepal

Kathmandu, February 8:

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg today assured his government’s support to Nepal’s peace and democratisation process and the April 10 Constituent Assembly election and termed Nepal’s political developments as truly remarkable.

In a brief meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, the Norwegian PM told Koirala that Nepal would continue to be Norway’s priority for development cooperation in the energy, hydropower, education and good governance sectors.

Stoltenberg, who arrived here last night to take stock on the climate change and it affects the Himalayan region and its people, appreciated PM Koirala’s efforts to secure peace and democracy in Nepal.

He also hoped that the CA would be a strong forum to address the challenges Nepal is currently facing, including the challenge of making Nepal more inclusive.

PM Koirala is learnt to have sought Norway’s cooperation in the hydropower sector, especially in the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project.

Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan, who was also present during the meeting at the PM’s official residence, Baluwatar, said the premier urged Norwegian PM to assist in Nepal’s peace process and in reconstructing the infrastructure after the CA polls.

The Norwegian PM and PM Koirala also agreed to fight climate change.

The Norwegian PM also met CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Nepal and Maoist Chairman Prachanda and pointed out the challenges of the Tarai region and urged them to find an acceptable solution without delay.

Earlier, in the afternoon, UML General Secretary Nepal urged Norwegian PM Stoltenberg to continue its support and assistance to Nepal’s peace process and the country’s development.

Maoist Chairman Prachanda, during his meeting with PM Stoltenberg, sought continuity of the latter’s support to Nepal even after the CA election.

“I told PM Stoltenberg that Nepal would focus on economic revolution after the CA election and also I urged Norway’s continued support in this regard,” Prachanda told the media.

“I also told him that Maoist party would lead the coalition government to be formed after April 10 election,” Prachanda said.

Later, speaking to media before his departure at the VVIP lounge in the Tribhuwan International Airport, the Norwegian PM said he found all the three political leaders “keen and committed” on holding the CA polls on the stipulated date.

Stoltenberg also visited Gangapurna glacial lake in lower Mustang and had a stay-over at Besisahar of Lamjung for about an hour in the morning.