Prosperity, security and welfare of India-Nepal are inter-linked: President

President Pranab Mukherjee, while speaking on close bonds of kinship and cooperation between India and Nepal, has asserted that New Delhi has been committed in extending all possible support in accordance with the priorities of the people and government of Nepal.

President Mukherjee made this assertion while speaking at the banquet speech hosted in honour of Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 19 April.

"Our age-old fraternal relations have been nurtured by successive governments and leaders in both India and Nepal into a dynamic and enriching partnership," said President Mukherjee.

The President said India has an abiding interest in the socio-economic development of Nepal.

"We believe that the prosperity, security and welfare of our two nations are inter-linked and inter-dependent. India is committed to extending all possible support in accordance with the priorities of the people and Government of Nepal," he said.

"Today, as democratic and pluralistic nations, both India and Nepal aspire for a higher growth rate, an inclusive society, sustainable development and an external environment that facilitates our national development."

"Both our peoples are opposed to the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Development and progress is what is of utmost importance to us. Towards our common goals, we have been co-operating closely, to very successful outcomes," he added.

President Mukherjee said Nepal is passing through a crucial phase in its quest for peace, stability and multi-party democracy with the aim of consolidating the gains of democracy and achieving economic prosperity.

"India lauds the enterprise and achievements of the people of Nepal. Their wisdom and resilience will, no doubt, succeed in forging consensus through dialogue and understanding so as to achieve their objectives within a federal and democratic framework, taking all sections of their society on board," he said.

He also said the visit of the Nepal President has provided an opportunity to reaffirm our special relationship and to identify ways and means of further enriching our multifaceted partnership.

"She will find one clear and consistent message of India's unequivocal commitment to bilateral co-operation and friendship with Nepal. India also seeks to advance our common interests through regional and sub-regional co-operation based on respect and sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," he said.

He further stated that wisdom and resilience would, no doubt, succeed in forging consensus through dialogue and understanding so as to achieve their objectives within a federal and democratic framework while emphasizing on crucial phase Nepal has been passing through in its quest for peace, stability and multi-party democracy.

The President also remembered his recent visit to Nepal and meetings with his Nepalese counterpart last year.

-ANI