External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will pay a two-day official visit to Nepal from Thursday in an effort to reach out to Nepal’s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance. Officials of the Indian embassy in Kathmandu and Nepal’s foreign ministry confirmed the visit on Monday. Swaraj will be first senior Indian leader to visit Nepal after the conclusion of elections to local bodies, provincial assemblies and federal parliament. Swaraj is also expected to communicate that India is ready to work with Nepal’s new government. Her visit will also acknowledge the achievements of Nepalese leaders over the past decade, including the recently held three-tier elections.

Source: Hindustan Times January 29, 2018 14:26 UTC