Thaindian News

Kathmandu, Jan 17 (IANS) India and Nepal Sunday pledged to work closely in the fight against terrorism and extremism, as External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna ended his three-day visit to the Himalayan country.
“The two ministers discussed security concerns of their respective countries and agreed that terrorism and extremism were a threat to both countries. They agreed to cooperate closely to end this menace,” said a joint statement issued here at the end of the visit.

Both the minister discussed ways to “enhance bilateral security cooperation to control cross-border crimes such as smuggling of fake Indian currency, human trafficking and arms smuggling”.

Krishna’s counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala, “reiterated that the government of Nepal will not allow Nepalese territory to be used for any activity against India”.

“Both sides agreed to take all necessary actions to preserve law and order and maintain peace and tranquility along the India-Nepal border,” said the 20-point joint statement.

Krishna told his Nepalese interlocutors that India was ready to provide all possible assistance to Nepalese security agencies on request of the Nepali government.

“The two ministers agreed to expedite the finalization of an MoU for the construction of the Nepal Police Academy at Panauti with government of India assistance,” said the statement.

Krishna said that concerns “remain about the business environment in Nepal affecting Indian investment and joint ventures” and urged that these issues be addressed “urgently and effectively”.

Several Indian industries have had to face losses due to frequent strikes and agitations called by different political parties.

“The Nepalese side reiterated the commitment of the government of Nepal to take necessary measures for the promotion of an investor-friendly business environment to encourage Indian public and private sector investments in Nepal,” the statement noted.

Krishna met Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Saturday and asked him to rein in Maoist propaganda against India.

During his stay in Nepal, the Indian foreign minister also met Nepali President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and top Nepali political leaders.