Kathmandu. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Nabin Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Dol Prasad Aryal at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar today.
On the occasion, Speaker Aryal thanked the Indian government for its significant logistical support during the recently concluded elections and completed 100 days in office. Stating that Nepal-India relations are based on shared civilization, close geographical proximity, cultural and social ties, he said relations between Nepal and India were further consolidated through several bilateral mechanisms in the areas of trade, security, civil aviation, water resources and connectivity. He said the exchange of high-level visits has further strengthened the relations between the two countries.
On the occasion, Speaker Aryal said that connectivity through civil aviation, railway and bus services would further strengthen the relations between the two countries. He also extended an invitation to the Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha, Om Birla, to visit Nepal and looked forward to welcoming him in Nepal at an appropriate time for both sides.
Stating that the Parliament of India has always been regarded with high esteem as a firm defender of democracy, he said that the Parliament of India in its glorious history has played an important role in protecting democratic norms and values. Stating that a 10-member Nepal-India parliamentary friendship group has been formed under the leadership of Bipin Acharya after the formation of the new House of Representatives, he expressed the belief that the group would give new momentum to inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Saying the parliamentary diplomacy would play an important role in further strengthening the bilateral relations between Nepal and India, Speaker Aryal expressed the belief that it would enhance mutual understanding, exchange of experiences and respect for each other’s priorities and aspirations between the parliamentarians of both countries. Appreciating India’s adoption of technology-friendly practices such as digital solutions and ‘National e-Vidhan Application’ to enhance the effectiveness, transparency and accessibility of parliamentary processes, he also expressed hope for knowledge exchange through India’s digital parliamentary system, paperless working system and technology-friendly legislative practices.
On the occasion, Speaker Aryal said that Nepal has been according top priority to its relations with India adding that India’s continued cooperation and cooperation was crucial for Nepal’s development endeavours. He expressed confidence that Nepal and India would continue to work together for common peace, prosperity and progress through mutual collaboration and partnership.
During the meeting, Ambassador Srivastava informed that Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was interested in visiting Nepal and invited the Nepalese parliamentarians and parliamentarians to visit India to observe India’s parliamentary practices. He expressed the belief that parliamentary diplomacy and high-level political dialogue would play significant role in taking Nepal-India relations to a new height.
