US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu meets top Nepali leaders

Nepal: US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, currently on a three-day visit to Nepal, held discussions with former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

 

photo: TKP

Lu first met Congress President Deuba at his residence in Budhanilkantha, where the two leaders exchanged views on the multifaceted relations between Nepal and the United States.

 

According to Deuba’s personal secretary Bhanu Deuba, the talks also touched on global issues, highlighting the importance of mutual collaboration.

 

Later, Lu visited Dahal at his residence in Khumaltar. Dahal expressed hope that Lu’s visit would be fruitful in bolstering Nepal-US ties.

 

He appreciated America’s longstanding support for Nepal’s economic development and highlighted Nepal’s efforts toward achieving economic prosperity through agriculture, energy, and tourism.

 

“Nepal aims to lead in all sectors through information technology, and international collaboration and investment are vital for this,” said former prime minister Dahal.

 

Dahal also updated Lu on Nepal’s peace process, emphasising its unique model of national consensus. “Nepal’s peace process, completed through national consensus rather than majority-minority politics, is a source of pride not just for us but for the international community that values peace and stability,” he said.

 

Dahal further thanked the global community for welcoming Nepal’s recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Bill.

 

Lu expressed satisfaction with Nepal’s progress and reiterated America’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in economic development, peacebuilding, and other areas of mutual interest. He also acknowledged Nepal’s environment conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and initiatives for sustainable development.

 

The visit includes interactions with civil society members and youth representatives. The US Embassy noted that Lu’s engagements aim to strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and cultural enrichment.

 

Lu’s Nepal visit is part of his South Asia tour, which included stops in India and Sri Lanka.