Visiting Deputy Minister for International Development Håkon A. Gulbrandsen has held a series of high-profile parleys on the day of his arrival in Kathmandu Monday.

Gulbrandsen called on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar in the afternoon and discussed the post-election political scenario in Nepal and various aspects Norwegian government’s development assistance to Nepal.

According to Prime Minister’s foreign affairs advisor Aditya Baral, the PM told the Norwegian minister that efforts were being made to forge consensus among the parties to form a new coalition government before the first meeting of the constituent assembly.

During the meeting, Gulbrandsen said Norway was willing to assist Nepal in hydropower, health and education sectors.

Gulbrandsen also met Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokharel and praised the Election Commission for successfully conducting the polls. CEC Pokharel on his part thanked the Norwegian government for its cooperation in the election process.

The Norwegian minister who arrived in Kathmandu earlier today also held separate meetings with Maoist chairman Prachanda and CPN-UML leader Jhal Nath Khanal at Dwarika Hotel in the evening and shared ideas on Nepal’s current political situation and development issues.

According to the Norwegian Embassy, the main focus of Gulbrandsen’s visit is to continue the political dialogue with the political leaders of Nepal. “The Norwegian support to a democratic and inclusive development in Nepal will be central in this dialogue,” a statement issued by the embassy said.

During his stay, Gulbrandsen will also hold meetings with other important actors from political and development cooperation and will also follow up on projects and activities supported by Norway.

The visit is to follow up the visits of the Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in February 2008 and the Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim in March 2007, the embassy said. nepalnews.com mk May 05 08