Statement by the Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli during the Ceremony of Joint Remote Inauguration by the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India of the Integrated Check Post, Biratnagar and the post-earthquake reconstruction of private housing projects in Gorkha and Nuwakot Districts, Kathmandu, 21 January 2020
Dear Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modiji,
Friends from Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Namaskar!
I am pleased to speak on this occasion of the inauguration of the two important projects under Nepal-India cooperation- the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Biratnagar and the Post-earthquake Reconstruction of Private Housing in Gorkha and Nuwakot Districts.
Before I speak further, I would like to express my gratefulness to you, Prime Minister Modiji, for your message of best wishes for my speedy recovery. I have been deeply touched by your thoughtful sentiment.
Four months ago, Prime Minister Modiji and I had similar opportunity to remote inauguration of the completion of the flagship project of Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Products Pipeline.
Likewise, we both had jointly inaugurated the first ICP in Birgunj during my state visit to India in April 2018.
These projects are the symbols of close friendly relations between Nepal and India.
The timely completion of such bilateral projects has not only delivered tangible outcome but also brightened the prospect for even deeper cooperation between our two countries for mutual benefit.
The operationalization of the ICP in Biratnagar with customs, immigration, quarantine, and other facilities under one roof, I believe, will bring positive outcomes in facilitating trade and cross-border movement of the peoples.
Prime Minister ji, Distinguished Friends,
Nepal was hit hard by the devastating earthquake in 2015. It resulted in loss of lives and properties and the destruction of important physical infrastructure and historical and cultural sites.
I recall how promptly and spontaneously the Government of India under your leadership deployed resources for rescue and relief of the affected people in the aftermath of the earthquake.
I am happy to know that about fifty thousand private houses have been reconstructed in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts under the grant assistance of the Government of India for the quake affected people.
For the support of these projects, I express my sincere thanks to you, Modiji, and your Government.
Prime Minister Modiji
Nepal and India have remained close neighbours and friends since time immemorial. Geography, history, culture and traditions bind our two countries and peoples. Close friendship and understanding between political leaders and peoples have nurtured our friendly ties.
Moreover, timely completion of development projects, especially those providing a direct benefit to the peoples, has added a momentum to our relationship.
We need to continue our close cooperative relationship and partnership in the days ahead for the benefit of our two countries and people. My Government is always ready to work with India for this purpose.
The current Government of Nepal has the aspiration of samridh Nepal, sukhi Nepali (समृद्ध नेपाल, सुखी नेपाली); your Government has a vision of sab ka sath sab ka bikas and sab ka bishwas (सबका साथ- सबका विकास- सबका विस्वास). Let’s work together to make our countries prosperous and our peoples happy.
Dear Modiji,
Our relations have scaled new height and acquired dynamism in recent years. I am of the view that by working together in a spirit of friendliness and accommodation we can expand the scope and enrich the substance of bilateral relations.
The time has come to resolve all pending issues through dialogue in the lasting interest of our two countries and peoples. Stable and majority government in both countries is an opportune moment. My Government remains committed to working closely with the Government of India towards this end.
Our ministers and respective officials could meet to sort out differences and advance the partnership agenda.
Before I conclude, I would like to renew my cordial invitation to you to pay a visit to Nepal at your earliest convenience. I am eagerly looking forward to receiving you in Nepal. Your visit will provide us an excellent opportunity to review the achievements made and chart the course of action for the future.
With these words, I thank all government officials, local authorities and the institutions concerned of Nepal and India, who have contributed to the successful completion of these important bilateral projects.
Long-live Nepal-India friendship!
Thank you!
