Post Report
KATHMANDU, Jan 6 – Marking the first ever state visit by the Mongolian head of State, Nepal and Mongolia today agreed to establish a joint commission at the Foreign Ministerial level to act as an umbrella body to review the various aspects of bilateral relations.
Talking to reporters after the official talks at Singha Durbar this evening, Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi, also declared that Mongolia will be opening an honorary consulate in Nepal.
The three-day visit of President Bagabandi, who arrived here from New Delhi on Friday, marks the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the occasion, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala said that the two countries have also agreed to “explore further areas of co-operation in various fields including trade, investment, tourism and science and technology”.
“The two countries will also continue to co-operate closely for promoting the cause of the landlocked developing countries in various international forums,” PM Koirala said.
Foreign Minister Chakra Prasad Bastola and his Mongolian counterpart, L. Erdenechuluun, signed the framework agreement on bilateral co-operation today. President Bagabandi and Prime Minister Koirala were also present during the signing.
“The agreement envisages to foster co-operation in various fields including agriculture, livestock, pasture and handicrafts,” PM Koirala said.
Responding to queries on Mongolia’s interest of co-operation from Nepal’s peace-keeping missions, President Bagabandi said that much was a part of “sharing experiences” with Nepal.
“Mongolia is committed to reform its defence policy and one of it is to participate in UN peace-keeping process…there is a lot to learn from Nepalese participation,” he said.
When asked about Mongolia’s stand on the much-talked United States’ initiation on building a Anti-Missile Defence Shield, President Bagabandi said that his country would not support the US initiative as it “would push nuclear arms race” globally.
“Both Nepal and Mongolia are surrounded by nuclear powers. Mongolia in 1992 was declared a nuclear free zone which was even approved by the 53th UN General Assembly…We would not support national defence initiative of US,” President Bagabandi said.
President Bagabandi further said that Nepal’s “initiative to declare her as a Zone of Peace is commendable.” “We support the Nepalese proposal,” he said.
Though Nepal vigorously pushed ahead its Zone of Peace proposal during the partyless Panchayat system and garnered support of over 140 sovereign nations world over, the issue has never figured out in Nepal’s international relations in the post democratic period. Neither the proposal has been officially scrapped. Meanwhile, earlier this morning, President Bagabandi, and the Mongolian First Lady A. Oyunbileg went on a sightseeing tour around the Swayambhunath Stupa area.
Likewise, RSS adds that Their Majesties King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, alongwith President Bagabandi and his spouse observed archaeological sites at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, today.
Their Majesties and the distinguished guests also offered worship at the Mayadevi Temple and observed the stone on which Lord Buddha first set foot after his birth.
On the occasion, in the presence of Their Majesties, the Mongolian President and his spouse laid the foundation stone of Gandantek Chengling Monastery.
The Monastery, being constructed on a plot of land of about one bigha, is to be built in the Mongolian Style in the Lumbini Monastic Zone.