Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg visited Nepal on February 8.
18/02/2008 ::
The main focus of Mr. Stoltenberg’s visit was climate change and how it affects the Himalayan region and its people. The visit included a trip to the mountain areas of Manang together with ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development).
“Both Norway and Nepal are affected by climate change,” the Prime Minister said, and stated that we have a common challenge in the melting of snow and ice in the Himalayan region and in the Arctic. Mr. Stoltenberg further said “I am pleased that we agreed on a Bali road map. Now we have to get started on negotiating a more ambitious agreement with all major emitting countries participating”.
The second focus of Mr. Stoltenberg’s visit was Nepal’s ongoing peace- and democratisation process. This part of the programme included meetings with Prime Minister G.P. Koirala, UML leader Madhav Nepal and CPN-M leader Prachanda.
“I commend your efforts to secure peace and democracy in Nepal. Your political achievements over the last two years have been truly remarkable,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. He further stated that Norway fully supports the elections for a constituent assembly on April 10th. “I hope that the constituent assembly will be a strong forum to address the challenges Nepal is facing, including the challenge of making Nepal more inclusive for all her citizens.” Mr. Stoltenberg also pointed to the challenges of the Terai and urged the political parties to find acceptable solutions without delay.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Nepal will continue to be a priority country for Norwegian development co-operation with a focus on education, good governance and energy/hydro power. Total Norwegian support to Nepal in 2007 was approximately USD 44 million, an increase of 50% from the previous year. Norway will continue its active support to the peace- and democratisation process in Nepal.