Kathmandu, May 12

Secretary of US Navy Ray Mabus today called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Bhim Rawal at the latter’s office.

During the meeting, Rawal said Nepal has moved towards political stability and the newly adopted constitution is in the process of full implementation.

While appreciating American help during the rescue and relief operation after the devastating earthquake last year, he hoped for increased level of support in areas of economic development and military cooperation in the days to come, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence.

DPM Rawal also expressed sadness over the tragic death of six US army personnel, along with two Nepali Army soldiers and five civilians,in a military helicopter crash during a rescue operation in Sindhupalchowk district last May.

Secretary Mabus appreciated Nepal’s role in maintaining international peace and stability through its deployment of soldiers under the UN flagship across the globe.

He assured further US support to Nepal for humanitarian causes as well as disaster management, peacekeepers’ deployment and military support via the Defence Ministry and the Nepali Army, according to the release.

Meanwhile, Mabus also called on Chief of Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri at the Army Headquarters and discussed issues of bilateral military cooperation.