Visiting Foreign Minister of Belgium, Karel De Gucht, met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar and discussed Nepal’s ongoing peace process and bilateral issues.

Visiting Foreign Affair Minister of Belgium, Karel De Gucht talking to Journalists after meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at his official residence, Sunday, Nov 05 06. nepalnews.com/rh

The meeting between the Belgian FM and PM Koirala was focused mainly on the talks between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists, it is learnt.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Gucht said Belgium was supportive of Nepal’s peace process and informed that 4 million euros was on offer for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in Nepal.

Meanwhile, advisor to PM Koirala on foreign affairs, Dr Suresh Chalise, quoted the Belgian FM as saying that referendum [to decide the fate of monarchy] would rather lead Nepal towards division. Koirala on his part told the Belgian minister that he was not in favour of a referendum, according to Chalise.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Foreign Affairs KP Sharma Oli in his honour on Saturday, Gucht expressed confidence that the ongoing peace talks in Nepal would succeed. He also expressed support for democracy, human rights, education and social transformation in Nepal.

Gucht arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday on a two-day visit.