Kathmandu, September 21
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava has paid a farewell call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal.
During the meeting, Speaker Aryal congratulated and wished Ambassador Srivastava well on completing his tenure as India’s ambassador to Nepal. He said Srivastava had made an important contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and India during his tenure.
Speaker Aryal expressed special gratitude for the support the Indian government extended, as a first responder and trusted neighbour, during the devastating disaster Nepal has faced recently.
Noting that relief and rescue materials were brought to Nepal on Indian Air Force aircraft and that technical support was provided, including a team of experts for tunnel rescue and forensic specialists, he said the assistance received in a difficult time of disaster further reflected the deep ties of friendship, goodwill, solidarity and cooperation between Nepal and India.
The meeting also discussed the Nepal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, formed after the constitution of the new House of Representatives, and the inter-parliamentary cooperation that could be advanced through it.
Speaker Aryal said parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries, and that it would help expand mutual understanding, exchange of experience and cooperation among lawmakers of both countries.
Noting that Nepal holds the Indian Parliament in high regard as a strong institution of democracy, he stressed the need to continue exchanging democratic practices, parliamentary experience and best practices.
At the meeting, Ambassador Srivastava said the damage in Rasuwa was unimaginable and that India was continuing to support the relief and rescue work. He expressed India’s commitment to always stand with Nepal in times of crisis.
Speaker Aryal thanked Srivastava for his tenure in Nepal and wished him happiness, peace and good health in his personal life and success in his next responsibilities.
Srivastava took charge as India’s ambassador to Nepal on June 25, 2022.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1993. He previously served at Indian missions in Hong Kong, Beijing and Washington DC, and held the posts of Consul General of India in Shanghai, Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, and a position at the New Development Bank in Shanghai.
