American Ambassador Dean R. Thompson has paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka.
In a meeting held at the Ministry of Defense on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed the various issues of bilateral interests, the ministry has said.
Speaking at the meeting, DPM Khadka said the bilateral relations between Nepal and America have been friendly and cordial since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1947.
Khadka appreciated the contribution made by America to the infrastructure development of the Nepali Army and their skill development.
Meanwhile, Khadka expressed happiness over the successful conclusion of the Nepal-US Fourth Bilateral Land Forces' Talks held recently in Kathmandu.
He asked for cooperation on behalf of the American government, saying that although Nepal played an important role in the United Nations peace mission, it did not get a proper share in the leadership position.
He expected the continuation of the US government's support for enhancing the capacity of the Nepali Army in international peacekeeping operations.
In the meeting, Ambassador Thompson expressed his happiness over the successful completion of the "Nepal-US Fourth Land Forces Talks" and mentioned that he will try to provide Nepal with aircraft and other equipment as agreed upon.
He said that he is willing to provide more support for the capacity development of the Nepali Army and the Ministry of Defense and praised the role played by Nepal through the peacekeeping force in the establishment of world peace.
On that occasion, Baburam Adhikari, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Defense, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Defense Attaché and other employees of the American Embassy were present in the meeting.
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