US Ambassador calls on DPM Khadka

US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean Richardson Thompson, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Purna Bahadur Khadka, on Wednesday.

During the meeting held at the Defense Ministry, discussion was held on issues of bilateral interests, the Ministry said.

DPM Khadka said both Nepal and the US have been enjoying close relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He mentioned that the US government contributed to capacity building of Nepal Army in addition to infrastructure development. Khadka also expressed happiness over the successful completion of ‘fourth land forces’ dialogue between Nepal and US.

Similarly, DPM Khadka said Nepal had been playing a significant role in the UN peacekeeping mission but was deprived of the leading role. He requested the US for the lobbying in favour of Nepal’s role in leading the peace keeping mission. The DPM also expected continuous assistance from the US government on capacity building of Nepal Army on international peacekeeping missions.

In response, Ambassador Thompson expressed happiness over the success of ‘fourth land forces’ dialogue between Nepal and the US. As per the agreement made during the dialogue, he will take initiative for the US to provide equipment including aircraft materials, Thompson added.

Ambassador Thompson praised the role Nepal Army played in world peace keeping via the UN mission.

Also attending the meeting were Joint Secretary at Defense Ministry, Baburam Adhikari, Foreign Ministry officials and defense attaché at US Embassy in Nepal and other employees.