The United States and Japan on Thursday congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal on his election as the prime minister, hoping to work together to strengthening democracy and Nepal’s development efforts.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu said Nepal’s commitment to democracy was evident in the peaceful government transition over the past few weeks.

“The US looks forward to continuing to partner with the people and government

of Nepal to build a more democratic, prosperous and stable nation that can carry out the important tasks of constitutional implementation, reconstruction and economic development,” read the statement.

The Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement that the government of Japan had a firm commitment to the democratisation process for peace and prosperity in Nepal.

“The Embassy believes that the cordial relationship between Japan and Nepal

will be further developed and strengthened this year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship, and beyond.”

The embassy “looks forward to continuing to support” Nepal’s reconstruction efforts from last year’s earthquake and its social and economic development in the medium- and long-term, the embassy said.

Earlier, India and China also extended their best wishes to Dahal. Indian Ambas-sador to Nepal Ranjit Rae visited Dahal’s residence with senior embassy officials to congratulate him. Indian PM Narendra Modi telephoned Dahal shortly after his election on Wednesday.