During the conversation, US State Secretary and Nepali Premier discussed matters of common interests…reports Asian Lite News
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba as he starts his two-day visit to neighbouring India.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Deuba emphasised the importance of the US-Nepal partnership and discussed the recent US donation of 1.5 million vaccines and other COVID-19 assistance to Nepal. The Secretary and the Prime Minister also discussed our cooperation to combat the effects of climate change,” Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.
US Secretary of State, Blinken landed in New Delhi for a two-day visit in which he is set to discuss with Indian officials issues related to bilateral relations, the situation in Afghanistan, and other regional matters including, Pakistan sponsored terrorism and Indo-Pacific.
During the conversation, US State Secretary and Nepali Premier discussed matters of common interest, as per the release from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Secretary of State extended warm congratulations to the Prime Minister on his appointment. Matters of bilateral relations and cooperation, including the priority issues of the day, such as, COVID-19 vaccine cooperation and assistance of medical equipment and supplies to Nepal were discussed during the conversation,” the MoFA said.
The Prime Minister lauded the US Government for the assistance of 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and requested the US Government for further assistance of appropriate vaccines to cover the children and younger population in order to better prepare for the prevention of widely speculated third wave of the pandemic.
The Prime Minister thanked the US Government for continued cooperation in the socio-economic development of Nepal. The conversation also covered various areas of Nepal’s development priorities, the United States’ cooperation and the MCC.
“The two sides discussed about the issue of global warming and climate change and its impact on the economies of climate vulnerable mountainous countries like Nepal. The Prime Minister asked the Secretary of State to convey his greetings and best wishes to President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and expressed his willingness to work closely with the Biden administration,” the release stated.
Janata Samajbadi Party splits
Nepal’s Madhesh-based party, Janata Samajbadi Party, has split after months of an intra-party rift as the Election Commission has granted legitimacy to the faction led by Upendra Yadav.
Along with this, the electoral body of the Himalayan nation also has directed the opposing faction led by Mahanth Thakur to register a new party.
The EC took the decision on Monday after Yadav was able to garner the signatures of a majority of executive members.
Of the total 56 executive members of the party, 34 signed in favour of Yadav while only 16 memes signed in favour of Thakur.
The constitutional body had heard advocates of both sides at the commission office last week.
With the decision of the Election Commission, the Yadav-led faction has decided to join the Sher Bahadur Deuba government.
“Regarding participation in the government, the process would be initiated from today itself,” Mohammad Istiyak Rai, leader from the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal told reporters.
He said there will be discussions on the party’s nominees to join the government.
The two sides had decided to split earlier this month and had urged the commission to decide which side would carry the legitimacy as the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN).
The Janata Samajbadi Party was divided over joining the previous K P Oli-led cabinet or staying in the opposition.
The rival factions had last month “expelled” members leading to a split. (ANI)