Kathmandu, August 16

On behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today called Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to extend a message of condolence on the passing away of Atal Behari Vajpayee, former prime minister of India.

PM Oli also send a message to Modi, stating that late Vajpayee was a visionary statesman with impeccable integrity and dedication, who would 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 Vajpayee, India and the world had lost a towering political figure and Nepal a true friend and well-wisher. He also remembered the contribution of late Vajpayee to strengthening Nepal-India relations.  Oli also paid respect to late Vajpayee and extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members.

Oli said Nepal stood by the government and the people of India at this moment of profound grief, according to Oli’s Press Advisor Kundan Aryal.

Aryal said Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali would leave for New Delhi tomorrow morning to attend late Vajpayee’s funeral.