A high-level delegation of the European Commission (EC) is to arrive Kathmandu on Thursday to assess the recent political developments.

According to a press statement issued by the office of the Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal Wednesday, Herve Jouanjean, deputy director general (DDG) of the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Commission, will visit Nepal on 1-2 June. This is the first time a EC official at DDG level undertakes a bilateral visit to Nepal, the statement said.

Jouanjean had visited Nepal as part of the European Union Troika in October 2005 during the direct rule of the king.

During his latest visit, Mr. Jouanjean is due to have meetings with the Nepal government, civil society and representatives of the international community residents in Nepal. He will be accompanied by Francisco da Camara Gomes, head of the EC delegation to India, Nepal and Bhutan and Ms. Rensje Teerink, deputy head of unit and desk officer for Nepal.

“The DDG will visit Nepal to assess the recent political developments and to underscore EC support for the initiatives taken by the new government towards peace and democracy. The EC is committed to providing support to the peace process, democratic and accountable governance, economic growth, and to recapture development opportunities,” the statement added.

EC is one of the largest bilateral donors to Nepal and has strongly supported Nepal’s return to democracy.

The EC works to promote the overall EU interest and administers a large development and humanitarian assistance budget on behalf of the EU.

International development minister of Norway, Erik Solheim, and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard Boucher, have already visited Nepal since the restoration of multi-party democracy in the Himalayan kingdom last month.