US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Nepal this year

KATHMANDU: US Secretary of State John Kerry said that he would  visit Nepal by the end of this year.

He made such statement during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa at the US State Department on Monday.

On the occasion, Thapa briefed Kerry about the current political situation in the country, Constitution promulgation and its amendment in detail as well as reconstruction and rehabilitation works undertaken by the Government of Nepal in the aftermath of the April 25, 2015 devastating earthquake that triggered huge loss of life and properties including cultural heritage in the Kathmandu Valley.

Thapa appreciated the US Government for the continual financial and economic cooperation to Nepal and hoped the enhanced level of support and cooperation in the future, read a statement issued by the Washington DC-based Embassy of Nepal today.

Thapa underscored the importance of exchange of high-level visits between the two countries in further strengthening bilateral relations.

While welcoming Thapa, Kerry congratulated the Government of Nepal for the tremendous job of the promulgation of the Constitution, including its amendment that incorporates the expectation and inspiration of the people.

While assuring of all sorts of moral, political and financial support for the peace, stability and economic development of Nepal, Secretary of State appreciated Nepal’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security through its contribution of peacekeepers.

During the meeting, Thapa was accompanied by Ambassador of Nepal to the US Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Deputy Chief of Mission Rishi Ram Ghimire and other officials from the Ministry and the Embassy.

Likewise, Kerry was accompanied by Ambassador Thomas A Shannon, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and officials of the State Department.

Thapa is scheduled to meet Congressman Jared Polis, Co-chair of Congressional Nepal Caucus, during which matters such as current political development, Constitution of Nepal as well as economic development and the reconstruction process would be discussed, the Washington DC-based Embassy of Nepal said.

He is also scheduled to address a talk programme as a key note speaker on the theme of “Consolidation of Peace, Stability and Democracy in Nepal and Nepal-US Partnership for Enhanced Prosperity” organised by the US Institute of Peace.

This article was published on The Himalayan Times, April 26,2015.