Lalitpur, Jan. 12 : Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek inaugurated the residential embassy of Norway here today.

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Norway was estabished in 1973.

On the occasion, Norwegian Minister Vollebaek referred to the establishment of the embassy to further consolidate the already existing friendly ties between the two countries and said that as friends should be close to develop friendship, the residential embassy had been opened.

Stating that Norway was the third country making largest investment in Nepal, Mr. Vollebaek said that his country wanted to be partner of Nepal in not only development but also in trade and expand the sphere of cooperation.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat welcomed the inclusion of Nepal by Norway in the priority list of countries receiving cooperation and said that both the countries have similar perceptions at various international fora including that of the United Nations.

Stating that with the opening of the Norwegian embassy, relations at the governmental level would be promoted and it would be helpful in enhancing private investment and contact at the people’s level, he appreciated the increasing of the amount of assistance being made by Norway for the development of the developing countries.

Norwegian Charge d’Affaires Mrs. Aud Kolberg said there are ample opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Talks held: Foreign Minister level talks between Nepal and Norway concluded at the Foreign Ministry today.

During the talks the Nepalese delegation was led by Foreign Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and the Norwegian delegation by Norway’s Foreign Minister Knut Volleback.

Also present at the talks were Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh, secretary at the Foreign Ministry Murari Raj Sharma, and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Norwegian government.

During the talks views were exchanged on matters of mutual interest and cooperation as well as various other matters.

The talks held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere lasted an hour.

On the occasion, Dr. Mahat briefed the Norwegian delegation about Nepal’s position on various international, regional and national issues such as combating terrorism, narcotic drugs as well as human rights, the role of un Security Council for small countries like Nepal and Norway, saarc activities, Bhutanese refugees problem and Nepal’s accession to the wto.

The Nepalese side requested the Norwegian side to provide additional financial assistance for the Melamchi water supply project.

Dr. Mahat also highlighted the socio-economic activities undertaken by Nepal during the last 10 years and the liberal and open economic policy pursued by hmg particularly to attract foreign direct investment in Nepal.

The decision to open an embassy in Nepal is believed to be conceived in view of the growing bilateral relations between the two countries.

At the meeting, Norwegian Foreign Minister Vollebaek assured that his country would continue to provide development assistance to Nepal particularly in the energy and social sector in the coming years.

On the issue of Bhutanese refugee problem, the visiting Foreign Minister expressed his country’s willingness to facilitate the process of finding an amicable solution to Bhutanese refugee problem.

The Norwegian side also expressed its desire to provide any assistance that is needed for the establishment of Human Rights Commission in Nepal.

Both Nepal and Norway have also agreed to promote interactions of private sectors in order to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

On the occasion, Dr. Mahat expressed Nepal’s sincere appreciation to the government of Norway for establishing its residential embassy in Kathmandu and for providing continuous development assistance to Nepal.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister invited the Nepalese Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Norway.

Dr. Mahat accepted the invitation and said that he would visit Norway at a mutually convenient time.

Participating at the bilateral talks were Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh, Foreign Secretary Murari Raj Sharma and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry while the Norwegian foreign minister was aided by Norwegian Ambassadors Por Stavnum and Knut Solem, and Mrs. Aud Kolberg, Charge d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu and other officials from Norway.

Acharya holds talks: Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek met with Finance Minister Mahesh Acharya at the latter’s office today.

On the occasion, Mr. Acharya expressed gratitude to the Norwegian government for its assistance in Nepal’s development endeavours.

He also apprised the Norwegian Foreign Minister of Nepal’s economic situation and the measures pursued to improve the economy.

Mr. Acharya also sought Norwegian cooperation in areas of basic needs, poverty alleviation, social and private sector development, etc.

Mr. Vollebaek said Norway is the third largest investor in Nepal and is willing to invest in priority areas of Nepal.

On the occasion, Nepal’s views on the World Trade Organisation (wto) and the problems facing the private sector were also discussed.

During the meeting, high ranking officials of the Finance Ministry, high-ranking officials of Norway and business entrepreneurs were present.

Similarly, newly appointed Australian ambassador Crispin Conroy paid a courtesy call on the Finance Minister at the latter’s office today.

On the occasion, Mr. Acharya expressed gratitude for Australian assistance.

Mutual cooperation, foreign investment in Nepal and private sector development were discussed on the occasion.

Meeting with Joshi: Similarly, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek paid a courtesy call on Water Resources Minister Govinda Raj Joshi at the latter’s office today.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Vollebaek said Norway has good experience in hydropower and his country is ready to cooperate with Nepal on the basis of this experience.

On the occasion, Minister Joshi noted that Nepal is considering further refining hydropower policy with a view to increasing foreign investment in this field.