The Kathmandu Municipal City hosted a civic reception in honour of President Pranab Mukherjeein Kathmandu, Nepal today (November 3, 2016).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Kathmandu is not only the political capital of Nepal, but also a spiritual centre for the people in our region. His visit to Nepal is also a kind of pilgrimage – it is a mission of friendship to foster ever greater understanding and cooperation between India and Nepal. There are no two sovereign nations in the world like India and Nepal, sharing a common culture and having an open border between them. The Government and people of India are committed to further strengthening and deepening this relationship.

The President said India fondly remembers the support that its freedom fighters received from the leaders and people of Nepal during the struggle against foreign rule. India wishes the people and the Government of Nepal every success in the important task of implementing its constitution, taking on board all the sections of its society.

The President said as two developing economies, India and Nepal have a shared vision of economic prosperity and sustained development for their respective nations and also the region. India believes that to keep pace with the growing aspirations of our people and in order to give them the quality of life that they seek, our focus should remain on creating an enabling environment for their economic progress and promoting peace and political stability. India welcomes Nepal to be a part of its growth story and take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the rapid transformation of our economy.

This release issued at 1740 hrs.