Warm welcome in Nepal

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who undertook a three day state visit to Nepal on the invitation of Nepali President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav arrived in Kathmandu around 11.30 a.m yesterday to a rousing welcome.

A high level delegation headed by Nepali Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav was at the Tribuan International Airport in Kathmandu to receive the President and his entourage which includes First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

President Rajapaksa considered as the first foreign Head of State to visit Nepal in eight years, was greeted by a large crowd, who had lined up on both sides of the road leading from the Airport to the city.

President Rajapaksa had cordial talks with Nepali President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav at the President’s House, Sheetalnivas.

Talks centred on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal paid a courtesy call on President Rajapaksa yesterday afternoon and bilateral talks between the two leaders will be held today.

President Rajapaksa will also visit Buddhist shrines in Lumbini and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretariat in Thamel in the course of his visit.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Export Development and International Trade Prof. G.L.Peiris and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge are accompanying the President.