Kathmandu, August 19:

Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development Erik Solheim today pledged to continue Norway’s support to Nepal in sectors like energy, education and good governance.

Wrapping up his a two-day visit, Solheim said, “The Norwegian Government supports the Nepal government, not a particular political party here.”

“We stand firm to support the new government of Nepal to rebuild the country. It is important that Nepalis knew their needs themselves,” Solheim said at a press meet.

He asked the CPN-Maoist to include other parties, including the Nepali Congress, in the government.

“My advice to the NC is to play constructive role if it remains in the opposition. No party should

unnecessarily criticise the government by sitting in the opposition bench. They should come up with constructive criticism without hampering the country to move forward,” Solheim said.

He said Nepal’s peace process was exemplary in the world.

“The peace process has progressed a lot in two years,” he said, adding “the country has big challenges ahead. Attaining higher economic growth and bringing the peace process to a logical end are some of them.”

“The credit for every historic change the country has witnessed goes to the Nepali people, not to China and India,” he said.

During his visit, aimed at evaluating climate change and environmental challenges in Nepal, Solheim visited Mahottari and Dhanusha districts.

“This trip taught me how important it will be for Nepal to tackle the challenges climate change has been posing,” he said, adding “the country should opt for an holistic approach and which includes participation of people from Hills to Tarai.”

Solheim, who called on Prime Minister Prachanda today, also invited him to visit Norway to observe development process and other issues.