Kathmandu. On Friday, April 25th, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and the United States signed a Memorandum of Intent formalizing and strengthening both nations’ participation in the Antiterrorism Assistance program. In a ceremony at Singha Durbar, Home Secretary Tika Dutta Niraula, representing
Nepal, and Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski, representing the United States, signed the Memorandum of Intent, which allows further cooperation between both nations in the fight against terrorism.

The Antiterrorism Assistance program was created in 1983 by the United States Congress and provides training, consultative, and equipment resource assistance to partner nations. The program focuses on advanced investigative, security, and counter-terrorism techniques, with a goal of rooting out all forms of terrorism and deterring future terrorist acts. The program uses a multidisciplinary approach, stresses respect for human rights, and employs subject matter experts from a variety of U.S. government agencies. Nepal is one of over 127 nations that have taken part in this program to combat terrorist activity. This agreement is a symbol of the special relationship that exists between the United States and Nepal, and their mutual interests in halting terrorism.

In the last two years, over 200 Nepali officials have received training through the Antiterrorism Assistance program in eight specialized subject areas. Courses have been conducted both in Nepal and the United States. A recent review conducted by U.S. program administrators visiting Nepal found that the program is having positive results, praised the security forces for their commitment to incorporate the training materials into their training and operations, and determined what additional requirements should be addressed over the next cycle.

This agreement formalizes and strengthens the antiterrorism relationship between His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and the United States, and builds upon previous valuable cooperation in the war on terror.