Former Prime Minister and Co-chair of ruling Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday said continuous support of neighbours and friends around the world were essential for the country’s development endeavor.

Dahal, who travelled to New Delhi on Friday, attended the inaugural session of the 5th India Ideas Conclave on ‘Citizens’ Manifesto -Churn of Ideas’.

Addressing the conclave, he thanked neighbours and other friends around the world for their support in Nepal’s development. “We are hopeful that such support will continue. I have no doubt, you may all agree with me that peaceful and prosperous Nepal can only contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond,” Dahal said.Having accomplished a political process, he said, the focus of Nepal was now on the other aspect of people’s freedom—namely freedom from poverty and underdevelopment; freedom from hardships of deprived living; freedom from worry about the basic needs; freedom to pursue the greater goals of life.

He highlighted the importance of healthy economic foundation to ensure that the political achievements of the country sustain. “We are fully aware that political gains can only be sustained if we are able to create within a short span of time a robust and healthy economic foundation. We are cognizant of our resource limitations and hence, are mindful about the need for the most judicious allocation of the scarce resources,” he added.

Dahal did not miss the opportunity to describe the unique relationship of Nepal with India.Nepal and India have an immemorial history of harmonious co-existence, and are connected by geography as well history, religions, rivers, culture and commerce. “We are not only neighbours, but also close friends. People-to-people interactions and exchanges are at the crux which gives us the very unique nature of our relations.”

He said the foundation of our relations rests on cordiality, goodwill, co-operation and mutual respect for sovereign equality and both of the countries are committed to taking the relations to new height consistent with the trends of time and the aspirations of people.Dahal returned home late in the evening as the NCP is hosting a reception to mark Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals at Bhrikuti Mandap on Saturday.