Kathmandu, Jan.10 : The Government of Norway is to open its Embassy in Kathmandu from January 12.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Knut Vollebaek is scheduled to inaugurate the Embassy during his three-day official visit to Nepal beginning tomorrow.

The visit of the Norwegian Minister is expected to be very fruitful for further enhancing and promoting the bilateral ties between the two kingdoms and increasing economic cooperation and investment.

Talking to rss representative here today, Minister Counsellor of Norwegian Embassy Ms. Ingrid Ofstad expressed confidence that the visit of the Norwegian Foreign Minister would contribute to promoting official contacts and strengthening relations between the two countries.

She also informed that the Norwegian Minister will be accompanied by senior government officials and business community representatives. Discussions between the business community of Nepal and Norway would pave the way for the promotion of bilateral investments in Nepal, she said.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, various ministers and high ranking government officials to discuss bilateral economic cooperation, investment promotion and identification and expansion of new areas of cooperation.

Stating that Nepal and Norway are enjoying good relationship at both government and non government level, Minister Counsellor Ms. Ofstad also told rss that Norwegian investors are interested in investing in Nepal’s energy and hydropower sector.

She also indicated the possibility of Norwegian assistance in poverty alleviation, srengthening of public sector organisations and corruption control.

Noting that Norway is the third largest investor in Nepal, she expressed the belief that the establishment of the Norwegian Embassy will help further consolidate formal relations between Nepal and Norway.

Norway, which has been assisting Nepal in such sectors as basic and primary education, and poverty alleviation, is interested in extending cooperation for the implementation of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, especially the construction of tunnel under the project, the Minister Counsellor said.

Norway is interested in investing in Butwal Power Company, she said, adding however, it has never put pressure on Nepal in this regard. Norway always advocates open and transparent privatisation procedures, she further added.