Kathmandu, November 27:

At the end of a four-day visit to Nepal, UK Minister for International Development, Mike Foster, called on the Nepali government to maximise their efforts to achieve sustainable peace and urgently deliver development benefits to the people.

During his visit, Minister met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, ministers, CA members from marginalised groups, UN Special Representative of Secretary General Ian Martin, donors, climate change experts, community groups and businessmen.

Addressing a press conference today, he said, “It is imperative that the Nepali government uses the mandate it has been given by the people to build a lasting and inclusive peace. I have seen some of the development challenges that the government must deal with, which would challenge even an established government.”

“But despite the enormity of the challenge, the party leaders have assured me they will act now to build peace and reduce poverty. Action is necessary to re-shape the structure of the state, provide the right investment atmosphere, create jobs and improve basic services to prevent this once in a generation opportunity from slipping away.”

“I was encouraged to hear in the meetings that additional efforts will be made to take forward the work of the Special Committee. UNMIN’s mandate will soon end, so it will be important for Nepal to decide what its future role should be.”

Minister Foster also announced to provide £ 20 million to support development in Nepal for the next two years.

“The amount of £ 20m will be used to support the peace agreement, future government priorities and improve basic services,” said Foster. “It is essential that the government ensures better security across the country. This would build the confidence of investors,” he added.