Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday expressed satisfaction at the political process in Nepal and congratulated Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” for taking things in the right direction.
“I am glad to see that political development sin Nepal are moving in positive directions,” Mukherjee said during a meeting with Prachanda, according to Rishi Raj Adhikari, the premier’s foreign policy advisor. Mukherjee added he was confident the political process would reach a “logical conclusion soon”.
Mukherjee, considered an old Nepal hand who is well-versed with the political scenario in Kathmandu, also said he was happy with the latest developments on the political and constitutional fronts.
“I learned that the political process in Nepal is moving in the right direction (and) I hope that the political and constitutional process will reach a conclusion soon,” he was quoted as saying by Adhikari.
Adhikari said the one-on-one meeting between Prachanda and Mukherjee lasted 20 minutes. Other details of the meeting were not made public.
Also read: President Mukherjee, on historic visit, holds talks with Nepali counterpart
Prachanda apprised Mukherjee of the latest political and constitutional developments, including the implementation of the new statute and his government’s efforts to amend the Constitution to address the demands and grievances of people living in the Madhes region bordering India.
He said his government is honestly trying to address the demands of agitating Madhesi parties and will register the amendment proposal in Parliament.
{{/usCountry}}He said his government is honestly trying to address the demands of agitating Madhesi parties and will register the amendment proposal in Parliament.
{{/usCountry}}“The meeting was basically focused on strengthening bilateral ties,” said foreign minister Prakash Sharan Mahat. High-level visits from both sides will enhance and consolidate relations, Mahat quoting the premier as saying.
However, Mukherjee expressed some concerns about the status of the new Constitution and the process to amend it.
These outstanding issues will be resolved through talks and consensus, Prachanda said.
Vice president Nanda Bahadur Pun also called on Mukherjee and discussed a wide range of issues.