Prime Ministers of South Asian countries have extended congratulations to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala for assuming the top post of the country and expressed willingness to work with him for mutual benefit.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that the assumption of Koirala to the high office of the Prime Minister of Nepal was a triumph of democracy and a tribute to the people of Nepal, who have displayed exemplary courage and resilience.
In a congratulatory message sent to Prime Minister Koirala, Indian Prime Minister Singh has expressed the confidence that at this historic juncture, Nepal would benefit from Koirala’s experience, wisdom and leadership.
“Relations between India and Nepal have endured the test of time, based as they are on close geographical, historical and cultural ties,” Singh said, adding, “I look forward to working with you to open a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship between our two countries.”
In the message, the Indian Prime Minister has also extended Prime Minister Koirala an invitation to visit India at his early convenience.
India stalled military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover of the last year, terming the move as setback to democracy.
Meanwhile Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz extended his heartiest congratulations to newly appointed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala stating that he was looking forward to promote the cordial ties existing between the two countries.
Referring to the new political development in Nepal, Aziz in a statement has said that Koirala’s appointment as Prime Minister reflected the trust and confidence shown by the people of Nepal on him to lead the nation towards durable peace and stability.
“I remain confident that your understanding qualities as a statesman will guide Nepal on the course of economic and social development,” Aziz has stated.
“Our bilateral relations marked by warmth and friendship have considerably grown over the years. I am confident that the ties which happily exist between our two countries will be further strengthened during your terms of office as Prime Minister.”
Likewise, Prime Minister of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia felicitated Girja Prasad Koirala for his appointment as Prime Minister of Nepal, a press statement issued by Embassy of Bangladesh said Sunday.
In her felicitation message, Bangladesh Prime Minister expressed hope that the dynamic leadership of Koirala along with strong popular support of the people of Nepal, would enable the Prime Minister of Nepal to successfully guide the people of Nepal towards peace, stable democracy and economic prosperity.
The Bangladeshi Prime Minister assured that it would continue to work in close cooperation with Nepal towards further consolidation of the common aspiration of strengthening democracy and addressing poverty, the press statement said.
Koirala was appointed Prime Minister following the success of the pro-democracy movement of the country.