Kathmandu. Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Dol Prasad Aryal at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, Speaker Aryal thanked the Indian government for its significant logistical support during the recently concluded elections and completed 100 days in office.

Stating that Nepal-India relations are based on shared civilization, close geographical proximity, cultural and social ties, he said relations between Nepal and India were further strengthened through several bilateral mechanisms in trade, security, civil aviation, water resources and connectivity.

He said the exchange of high-level visits has further strengthened the relations between the two countries. Noting that connectivity through civil aviation, rail and bus services would further strengthen the relations between the two countries, he expressed his hope that there would be more flights, trains and bus routes in the future.

Informing about the invitation extended to Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to visit Nepal, Speaker Aryal said both sides were ready to welcome him in Nepal at an appropriate time.

“The Parliament of India has always been held in high esteem as the steadfast guardian of democracy, and in its glorious history, the Parliament of India has played an important role in protecting democratic norms and values,” he said.

The Speaker informed that a 10-member Nepal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed under the leadership of Honorable Bipin Acharya after the formation of the new House of Representatives.

Noting that parliamentary diplomacy would play an important role in further strengthening Nepal-India bilateral relations, he said it would enhance mutual understanding, exchange of experiences and respect for each other’s priorities and aspirations between the parliamentarians of both countries.

On the occasion, Speaker Aryal appreciated India for adopting technology-friendly practices such as digital solution and ‘National e-Vidhan Application’ to increase the effectiveness, transparency and accessibility of parliamentary processes.

Stating that Nepal attaches high priority to its relations with India, he said that India’s continued goodwill and support were important in Nepal’s development endeavours. He also expressed confidence that Nepal and India would continue to work together for shared peace, prosperity and progress through mutual cooperation and partnership.

On the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava informed that the Right Honorable Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India, Om Birla was interested in visiting Nepal and invited the Right Honorable Speaker and Parliamentarians of Nepal to visit India to observe the parliamentary practices of India.

He expressed the belief that parliamentary diplomacy and high-level political dialogue would play significant role in taking Nepal-India relations to a new height.