National
Previously signed deals priority: Dahal
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told the Legislature-Parliament on Wednesday that his state visit to India, starting Thursday, would focus more on implementation of previously signed agreements.Binod Ghimire
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal told the Legislature-Parliament on Wednesday that his state visit to India, starting Thursday, would focus more on implementation of previously signed agreements.
“No any controversial deal that goes against Nepal’s interest will be signed,” PM Dahal assured lawmakers while briefing the House on his maiden foreign visit since he assumed the top executive’s office last month.
Implementation of Postal Highway, approval of the detailed project report of the much-talked about Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and taking forward the power trade agreement are a priority, said PM Dahal. “The focus will be on implementation of the agreements signed in the past so that we can benefit the most. “Discussions, and agreements, on the proposal from the India side would be done keeping the national interest in mind.”
During his several meetings with experts and former prime ministers, PM Dahal has been consistently advised to focus his visit on implementation of previously signed agreements and not to sign any new agreements.
According to discussions here at home and in New Delhi, Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and Postal Highway are likely to be high on PM Dahal’s agenda. “I will seek commitment [from the Indian side] for the funding for the second phase of Postal Highway,” said PM Dahal. “I will also hold talks to seek ways to reduce our trade deficit.”
The construction of the highway, which once completed will serve as the life line of the Tarai, has been delayed for years owing to various hurdles.
PM Dahal also said that early construction of an integrated check post in Birgunj and possibility of setting up more similar check posts in Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Biratnagar will also be discussed with the Indian side during the visit.
Flooding and inundation along the border villages during monsoon has been a major cause for concern, PM Dahal said he would hold talks to find ways to control the menace.
Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have long been calling for holding serious talks with the Indian government regarding flooding and inundation in border areas.
After attending a reception hosted by the Embassy of Nepal after reaching New Delhi on Thursday, PM Dahal will start his formal engagements from Friday with his meeting with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The same day, PM Dahal is scheduled to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
PM Dahal will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi as the state guest of the government of India.