Kathmandu, October 28

Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat today returned home after taking part in the Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting that concluded in New Delhi yesterday.

Minister Mahat told media persons upon his arrival at TIA that his visit was successful as the Indian side responded positively to the Nepali side’s appeal for expeditious implementation of India-pledged projects in Nepal.

“The Indian side has responded positively to our appeal for expeditious implementation of bilateral development projects in Nepal,” he said. “The outcome of this visit will be seen in a tangible way soon enough.”

Mahat had left for Indian capital on Wednesday to lead the foreign minister-level India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting, where the two sides decided to expedite two ongoing cross-border railway projects and initiate construction of three such railway links .

Likewise, the two sides also agreed to complete phase I of postal highway (Hulaki Road) in Tarai and integrated check posts in Birgunj.

They also agreed to start construction of Integrated Check Post in Biratnagar, while India agreed to provide concessional loan for the development of phase II of Tarai roads.

The Nepal-India Joint Ccommission is the highest-level permanent instrument between the two neighbours. The meet co-chaired by Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat from Nepal, and Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar from the Indian side.