KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday informed the Parliament that he is embarking on the state visit to India on February 19-24, and said his visit aims at removing the recent differences between the two countries and strengthening the historical bilateral ties.

Regarding the resolution of domestic political issues, Prime Minister Oli said the constitution was recently amended and a high-level political committee with three-month mandate will be formed before his India visit to study the remaining contentious issues, including the redoing of provincial boundaries. He recalled that the Cabinet has already made a decision to form such a committee.

Speaking at the House this afternoon, Oli stressed on mutual benefit and respect between Nepal and India, and said he will keep the national interests on top priority during his visit.

Mentioning that Nepal and India are two friendly countries that have open border, and are related with each other culturally, historically socially, economically and in many other ways, Prime Minister Oli expressed his hope that his visit will help clear the differences that emerged between the two countries of late.

If there are any things to be corrected in our relationship, according to him, then that would be done in the days to come based on the principle of equality as well as mutual respect and benefit.

He further pointed out the need for taking Nepal to the path of economic prosperity and development, and said he will explore the ways for that and try to bring in foreign investment to Nepal during his India visit.

Though there were some bitter incidents in the past, the Prime Minister said, we (Nepal and India) now have to focus on mutual benefit and cooperation, and move ahead in the path of prosperity together.

"This visit is happening not against Nepal's national interest, or to destabilise the friendly relationship between Nepal and India, but to strengthen the friendship...It's not for going back but to move forward. Not for making accusations but for building understanding."

The next meeting of the Parliament has been scheduled on Wednesday, February 17.