Indian PM congratulates Koirala

KATHMANDU, FEB 10 - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singhon Monday congratulated Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on being elected to office.

Manmohan Singh in his message said that Koirala's election to the post of prime minister represented an important milestone in consolidating the democratic gains of Nepal's political transition.  

Singh was the first head of state to send a congratulatory message to Koirala who was elected to the office on Monday through a parliamentary vote. 

"On behalf of the Government and people of India, please accept my warm felicitations on your election to the high office of Prime Minister of Nepal. Your election represents one more important milestone in consolidating and institutionalising recent democratic gains in the course of the political transition in Nepal," said Singh. 

“I am confident that your wise leadership and guidance will further strengthen stability and economic development in Nepal, and foster a climate for promulgation of a new constitution on the basis of the widest possible consensus and reflecting the will of all sections of the people of your nation,” Singh further stated.

He went on to say that, “India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Nepal. As close neighbours with a unique relationship and deep links across all walks of life, our fortunes are closely intertwined,” adding that, “we in India, therefore, not only share the aspirations of the people of Nepal for stability, democracy and prosperity, but also remain steadfast in our support to the Government and people of Nepal in their endeavours to pursue that goal.” 

In the statement, Singh gave Prime Minister Koirala the best wishes for his personal health and wellbeing, while also extending an invitation to visit India at his convenience.
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