FM Rana, Indian Minister Jaishankar discuss bilateral cooperation
KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, held a meeting with her Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference, in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday evening.
During the discussions, they addressed issues of bilateral relations, mutual benefits, and other related topics. The exchange also covered bilateral meetings, exchange of visits, and mutual cooperation.
The foreign ministers reviewed the outcomes of the Commerce Secretary-level meeting held in Kathmandu and the energy-focused meeting conducted in New Delhi in recent months.
Minister Rana expressed gratitude to the Indian government for facilitating Nepal's energy export to Bangladesh via India, as per the power trade agreement between Nepal and India.
They discussed trade transits between the two countries, advancements in water resource development, and the modalities of cross-border power trade.
Additionally, they reflected on the productive discussions held during the January meeting of the Nepal-India Intergovernmental Committee in Kathmandu, as well as the operation of additional ports on the Indian side.
Minister Rana highlighted that the progress in operating additional ports from the Indian side would positively impact infrastructure, trade promotion, and connectivity.
The ministers also discussed the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and recent technical advancements related to the project.
Indian External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, expressed appreciation for the progress made on the Upper Arun Hydropower Project.
During the meeting, Jaishankar emphasised the need to advance the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) through collaborative efforts.
Minister Rana reaffirmed Nepal's prioritisation of its relationship with India, expressing Nepal's willingness to cooperate with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.
By RSS
