He said the 25-point joint statement issued by Nepal and India would not affect Nepal’s relations with China

Kathmandu, September 18

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said his visit to India was successful, as it helped take bilateral ties to a new height.

Addressing a press conference at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from New Delhi today, the PM said dimensions of Nepal’s relation with India were different from the dimensions of Nepal’s relation with China and hence Nepal’s deep relations with India would not affect the bilateral relations between Nepal and China.

“Strengthening relations with one side cannot affect ties with the other side. Nepal shares equally good ties with China,” the PM added. When asked about Nepal’s constitutional issues figuring in the 10th point of the 25-point joint statement issued by Nepal and India during PM Dahal’s visit, he said it was a global practice.

The 10th point of the joint statement issued by Nepal-India during PM Dahal’s India visit states: The prime minister of Nepal shared with the prime minister of India developments in Nepal.

He conveyed that the promulgation of the Constitution last year is a historic event in institutionalising federal democratic republic. He also shared the efforts made by the present Government to take all sections of Nepali society on board for the effective implementation of the constitution.

While appreciating the importance of the constitutional consolidation of democracy in Nepal, prime minister of India welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Government of Nepal to take all sections of the society on board for effective implementation of the Constitution.

Prime minister of India wished the prime minister of Nepal every success in this endeavour. The prime minister of Nepal thanked the government and people of India for their goodwill, support and solidarity in Nepal’s peace process.

He said the 25-point joint statement issued by Nepal and India would not affect Nepal’s relations with China. The PM also said he was committed to implementing the constitution by taking all sides on board.

The PM added that during his visit he emphasised on the need for expediting the ongoing projects being built in Nepal with Indian assistance.

The PM, accompanied by his wife Sita Dahal, had embarked on India visit on September 15 leading a team of more than 100 people, including ministers, lawmakers, government secretaries and journalists.

The PM was welcomed at TIA by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar, office bearers of constitutional bodies, ministers, secretaries and government officials. The PM received guard of honour from Nepali Army continent at the airport.

During his India visit, the PM held meetings with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The PM also called on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.