Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that a solution to border and other matters of concern between Nepal and India will be found through talks and diplomatic mechanisms.
Speaking to media persons at Tribhuvan International Airport after returning home today upon completion of a three-day official visit to India, he said that the diplomatic mechanism formed between the two countries is working to find a solution to the border and other issues of concern.
Asked about the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani areas, Foreign Minister Khanal reiterated the historical stance that the land belongs to Nepal and stated that it has been officially clarified to India and China through diplomatic notes.
Stating that the Nepal government has not sought the need for a third party or mediation to resolve the border issue with India, he said that the government is of the view that a solution will be found through talks based on facts and historical evidence.
Asked about the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report, Foreign Minister Khanal clarified that the report was prepared by a group formed with the consent of the Prime Ministers of the two countries and that the report can be submitted only to the two Prime Ministers.
Foreign Minister Khanal had left for New Delhi on Friday for a three-day official visit to India at the friendly invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. During the visit, Foreign Minister Khanal held delegation-level bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart on Saturday.
“During the talks, issues including development cooperation, expansion of connectivity, trade and transit, energy and further upgrading people-to-people relations were discussed,” he said. Views were also exchanged on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
During the talks, Minister Khanal said that while reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation in various fields, discussions were held on initiatives taken to increase cooperation in the fields of innovation and startups, digital and financial technology, and training and capacity building. “In the bilateral talks, it has been agreed to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Nepal and India and intensify efforts to take it to new heights,” Minister Khanal said.
Minister Khanal also informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Digital India Bhasini and Kathmandu University to co-build national digital infrastructure for the ‘Voice First’ language translation platform.
Minister Khanal had left for New Delhi on Friday at the friendly invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar.
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