National interest should be prioritised: Dr Bhekh B. Thapa

Kathmandu – Former ambassador Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa has said the national interest and protection of nationality should be prioritised during Prime Minister's impending state visit to India. 
Prime Minister Oli is leaving for India visit on April 6. 

Speaking in an interaction programme organised by Reporters Club here today, Dr. Thapa, who is also leading the Nepali side in the Nepal-India Eminent Persons' Group, said the present government was formed as per the Nepali people's aspiration of making the nation stronger and economically prosperous. 

"People's mandate itself is the pathway to conducting the internal affairs of the state; the government should give the message, through diplomatic way, that Nepalis do not bow down," he said. 

The former finance minister also underlined the need for taking initiatives during the PM's India visit for the implementation and timely completion of some projects being constructed with India's cooperation. 
"The two countries had reached an agreement 17 years ago for implementing the Pancheshwar Project. It is still not implemented," he said. He also suggested holding discussion regarding reducing Nepal's trade deficit with India during the Prime Minister's visit. 
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