Sushma meets visiting Nepal Deputy Prime Minister

New Delhi July 3 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara who is on a visit to India from July 2-4 an official said.

This is the first high-level visit from Nepal after the formation of new government led by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. It is also the first visit abroad by Mahara since he assumed the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the newly formed government.

Sushma and Mahara held discussion on a wide range of bilateral matters of mutual interest including the ongoing connectivity and development projects said a statement.

Both the ministers reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors and to deepen the traditionally close and friendly relationship between the two countries.

They also expressed satisfaction at the bilateral engagement at various levels including political exchanges and reviewed upcoming high-level exchanges a statement said.

Mahara spoke about the recently concluded second phase of local level elections in Nepal and his government s efforts to take all stakeholders onboard in the Constitution implementation process.

Sushma Swaraj also hosted a dinner in Mahara s honour the statement added.

--IANS
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