Nepal Prez to make four-day official visit to India from February 15

The first President of Republican Nepal Dr Ram Baran Yadav is making a four-day official visit to India from February 15 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Prativa Devi Patil.

President Dr Yadav is leading a 27-member delegation during his maiden official foreign trip after his victory in the post of the head of the state in July 2008. Nepal was declared republic in May 2008 after abolishing a 240-year old institution of monarchy.

A cabinet meeting held on Wednesday evening approved the list of those accompanying him during India visit. Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari will accompany the delegation on behalf of the government.

Sources close to the Office of President said Dr Yadav will ask for Indian assistance to check growing deforestation in Chure-Bhavar Range. The unchecked deforestation in the region is leading large swath of land in bordering areas between Nepal and India to a desert.

President Dr Yadav is also scheduled to ask Indian assistance for the construction of South Asian Conference Center in Kathmandu during the visit, sources said.

- Asian Tribune -