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Remarkable agreement




The Himalayan Times
29 July 2014
Remarkable agreement

Apropos of the news story “Nepal high on India’s priority: Swaraj” (THT, 26 July, Page 1). After long time, it seems that India has realised Nepal’s strategic importance in the regional peace and stability.  It is, indeed, a welcome statement made by the visiting Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. However, there are a number of issues that India has to come forward with open heart to amicably resolve as a good and sincere neighbour. She has shown some indication that India seems serious about what it says.

There are a number of age-old bilateral agreements that may need detailed review and to revisit by both countries in order to meet the demands of the 21st century. The importance given by the India’s new government on these issues seems praiseworthy. Nepal should grasp this opportunity to sort out the weaknesses included in these bilateral agreements and amend to suit present-day requirements. That requires a lot of home works on our part. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will definitely look into these maters seriously and sincerely so that Nepal would get maximum benefit out of it.

The Joint Commission (JC) meeting held after 23 years in Nepal has its own importance in terms of coming to an agreement on broad five clusters: political, security and border issues, economic cooperation and infrastructure, trade and transit, power and water resources and culture and education.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu    

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