Kathmandu, Aug 11 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Sunday paid a courtesy call to Nepal Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel, during which he discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations between India and the Himalayan nation. 

During his meeting with the Nepal PM, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed civilisational, close and multifaceted ties between the two nations and discussed ways to provide momentum to various sectors of bilateral collaboration.

This visit underscores the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations under India's Neighbourhood First Policy.

In a significant gesture of India-Nepal cooperation, Foreign Secretary Misri and Maniram Gelal, Secretary of Nepal's Ministry of Urban Development, jointly inaugurated the new building of Nepal Bhasha Parishad in Kathmandu.

This building, constructed under India's post-earthquake reconstruction grant, marks a step forward in the reconstruction efforts that have been a cornerstone of Indian aid to Nepal.

In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign, he also planted a sapling of Blue Jacaranda (Nili Gulmohar), symbolising the shared commitment of India and Nepal towards environmental sustainability.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that Foreign Secretary Misri's visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal.

The MEA statement highlighted the longstanding civilisational, cultural, and people-to-people ties that form the bedrock of India-Nepal relations. The visit is expected to further advance bilateral cooperation, which has seen increased momentum in recent years, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity projects.

This visit marks Foreign Secretary Misri's first official trip to Nepal following the assumption of charge by Nepal's Prime Minister Oli.