KATHMANDU: On behalf of the Government and people of Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today sent a condolence message to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on the sad passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.

Oli also made a separate telephone call to Modi to express the condolences, according to Oli’s Press Advisor Kundan Aryal.

Aryal said Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali would leave for New Delhi tomorrow morning to attend late Vajpayee’s last rites, representing the Government of Nepal.

In the message, Oli stated that late Vajpayee was a visionary statesman with impeccable integrity and dedication, who will be remembered for his sagacity and exemplary selfless service to the people of India, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Oli added that in the demise of former Prime Minister Vajpayee, India and the world has lost a towering political figure and Nepal a true friend and well-wisher. He also remembered the contribution of late Bajpayee to the strengthening of Nepal-India relations.

Oli also paid respect to late Vajpayee and extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members. Oli said Nepal stands by the Government and people of India at this moment of profound grief, read the statement.

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