Press Release
Honorable Kamal Thapa, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal had a bilateral meeting with Honorable John F. Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America today at the State Department.
On the occasion, Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Thapa briefed him about the current political situation in the country, constitution promulgation and its amendment in detail as well as reconstruction and rehabilitation works undertaken by the Government of Nepal in the aftermath of the April 2015 devastating earthquake that triggered huge loss of life and properties including the cultural heritage in Kathmandu Valley. Honorable DPM appreciated the US government for the continual financial and economic cooperation to Nepal and hoped the enhanced level of support and cooperation in the future. Underscoring the importance of exchange of high-level visits between the two countries in further strengthening bilateral relations, Hon’bleThapa invited his counterpart to visit Nepal at earliest convenient time.
While welcoming Hon’ble DPM, Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated to the Government of Nepal for the tremendous job of the promulgation of the constitution, including its amendment that incorporates the expectation and inspiration of the people. While assuring of all sorts of moral, political and financial support for the peace, stability and economic development of Nepal, Honorable Secretary of State appreciated Nepal’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security through its contribution of peacekeepers. At the invitation of Honorable DPM to visit Nepal, the US Secretary of State expressed his willingness to visit Nepal as soon as possible and expressed his hope that the visit could take place by the end of this year.
During the meeting, Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was accompanied by His Excellency Ambassador of Nepal to the United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Rishi Ram Ghimire and other officials from the Ministry and the Embassy. Whereas Honorable Secretary of State John Kerry was accompanied by Honorable Ambassador Thomas A Shannon, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Honorable Ms. Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and officials of the State Department.
This afternoon Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs will have a luncheon meeting with Honorable Congressman Mr. Jared Polis, Co-chair of Congressional Nepal Caucus, during which matters such as current political development, constitution of Nepal as well as economic development and the reconstruction process will be discussed. Later, he will also address as key note speaker to a talk program on the theme of “Consolidation of Peace, Stability and Democracy in Nepal and Nepal-US Partnership for Enhanced Prosperity” organized by the U S Institute of Peace.
Embassy of Nepal
Washington D.C., USA
April 25, 2016