US official Lu meets Prchanda, Saud, assures to continue US assistance

US Asst. Sec. Lu has discussed the implementation of 500 million US dollar MCC-Compact during his meeting with Foreign Minister N.P. Saud at Singhdurbar, Kathmandu. During the meeting “the two leaders discussed Nepal’s graduation from the list of LDC (Least Developed Countries) and bilateral interest of the two countries,” according to the secretariat of Foreign Minister Saud. The US high official also assured Foreign Minister Saud about US government’s continued assistance even after the graduation of Nepal and also expressed commitment to increase the assistance.

Lu said that “the US government will, as an old development partner, continue its development assistance to Nepal in future too.” He also appreciated the achievements made by a larger community of Nepalese residing in the USA and their contribution to the US economy. They also shed light on the importance of exchange of high level bilateral visits between the two countries in the light of enhancing relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, issuing a statement US EMbassy in Kathmandu said, “US Asst Secretary Lu is here in Nepal as part of his regular diplomatic engagement in the region.” “Lu met with Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda and expressed condolences on the demise of his wife Sita Dahal,” US Embassy said. “With Foreign Minister Saud and former Prime Ministers Oli and Deuba he discussed Nepal’s achievements on its Summit for Democracy commitments, the rercent bolstering of human rights protections in Nepal and the progress of the MCC-Compact to date, which will commence implementation in August and within the next five years provide essential electrical infrastructure, improve capacity for roads maintenance and creating thousands of jobs.” During his regional tour, Asst. Sec. Lu also visited Bangladesh and India besides Nepal.

“High level diplomatic engagements are a routine part of strengthening both US- Nepal and regional partnerships in furtherance of a more secure, sovereign, prosperous , and democratic world,” said the US Embassy.