Nepal and India have expressed commitment to cooperate with each other in stemming terrorist activities. This was stated in a joint press statement issued at the end of the five-day official tour of Nepalese prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India Sunday.

Along with the commitment to cooperate each other in the fight against terrorism, Nepal and India have reached agreements on a range of issues and have expressed commitment to implement the agreements and understandings at the earliest.

Deuba and his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh singed the joint statement at a function held in New Delhi today.

It is mentioned in the 25-point joint statement that Nepal and India have expressed commitment to enhance bilateral trade and investment, cultural exchange, tourism promotion, cooperation in utilization of the water resources, border security and border management.

Likewise, India has pledged help for the construction of the Raxual-Amlekhganj oil pipeline and expansion of railway network in Nepal. As per the agreement, an Indian team will soon arrive in Nepal to select suitable location for the construction of a technical institute in the far-western region.

Both sides have also consented to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project and foster joint investment in the Upper Karnali Power Project and Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project.

The Joint Border Management Committee has been directed to complete its stint by June next year and the high-level joint committee formed to oversee the inundation problems in Nepalese parts has been asked to speed up its works, the press release states.

The release further mentions that home secretaries of both the countries will soon meet to find ways to curb cross-border crime and enhance exchange of legal aid.

Talking to Nepalese media persons in New Delhi today, Deuba said the talks with Indian leaders were focussed mainly on the issue of restoring peace in Nepal. He claimed that the meeting was very fruitful in bolstering mutual understanding between the two countries.

Deuba is scheduled to fly back home with his 66-member convoy this evening. nepalnews.com mbk Sept 12 04