Canada strengthening relationship with Nepal, supporting democratic transition

Deepak Obhrai with Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey.
Deepak Obhrai with Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey.

DEEPAK Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, on Friday concluded a visit to Nepal to mark the 50th anniversary of Canada-Nepal diplomatic relations.

“It is an honour to represent Canada in Nepal to mark our 50-year relationship,” said Obhrai. “Canada looks forward to strengthening this relationship and deepening the business and investment ties between our two countries.”

During the visit, Obhrai announced that over the next year, Canada will support the Forum of Federations in a project that will work to encourage democratic development, which in turn provides a basis for expanding bilateral trade relations.

“Canada fully supports Nepal in its transition toward democracy and respect for human rights,” said Obhrai. “We hope that through strengthened relations, we can continue to encourage political discussions and engagement at all levels.”

Obhrai met with a number of key government and business officials, including President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Minister of Energy Radha Kumari Gyawali, and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Bimalendra Nidhi. He also met with parliamentarians from both the government and opposition, members of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and of the Canada-Nepal Business Executive Committee.

While in Nepal, he will also represent Canada at the golden jubilee celebration of the Nepal-Canada Friendship and Cultural Association, where he will be the guest of honour, along with Pandey.