KATHMANDU, APRIL 5
US Ambassador Dean Richard Thompson paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka.
In the meeting, the role played by Nepal through the peacekeeping force in the establishment of world peace was appreciated.
DPM Khadka expressed his gratitude for the good wishes given by the American Ambassador on his appointment as DPM and Defence Minister.
DPM Khadka expressed the view that Nepal and America have had close and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Mentioning that the American government has contributed to the development of the Nepali Army's infrastructure and capabilities.
DPM Khadka expressed happiness over the successful completion of the fourth on-site military security dialogue between Nepal and the United States. He said although Nepal had played an important role as the second largest contributor to the United Nations peacekeeping force, it had not been able to get proper share in leadership positions. He also called for assistance and lobbying on behalf of the US government in this matter.
In the meeting, the American ambassador mentioned that he would try to provide aircraft and equipment to Nepal as per the agreement between Nepal and the United States. The ambassador mentioned that the American side was aware of the geographical location and situation of Nepal and stated that the US was willing to provide more assistance for capacity development of the Nepali Army and the Ministry of Defence.
He also praised the role played by Nepal through peacekeeping forces in establishing world peace.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Defence Prakash Paudel informed that Joint-secretary Baburam Adhikari of the Ministry of Defence, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Defence Attaché of the American Embassy and other employees were also present on the occasion.
Similarly, Ambassador Thompson also paid a courtesy call on DPM and Minister of Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha. On the occasion, the Minister said the incumbent government focused on completing the remaining tasks of the peace process as per the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Accord and sought support from Nepal's friendly international donors to that end.
Shrestha informed the US envoy Thompson that the related Bill was already presented in the Parliament to ensure transitional justice.
Ambassador Thompson said the US wanted to see completion of the remaining task of the peace process in Nepal and pledged to take the lead to facilitate diplomatic stakeholders for the same.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 8, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
