Nepal discusses ways to make Modi's visit a grand success

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Thursday met leaders of all 31 political parties to discuss key issues, including a key power trading pact, to be taken up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his maiden official visit to Nepal.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Mahendra Pandey briefed the leaders of different political parties, which have representation in the Constituent Assembly, about the preparations of the upcoming two-day visit of Modi, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Dinesh Bhattarai said.

Koirala is having hectic consultations with top leaders, senior government officials and his own party colleagues despite his fragile health condition, said Bhattarai.

The Prime Minister has instructed all concerned to cooperate for making the visit from Sunday a grand success, he told PTI.

Koirala, 74, is actively taking part in a series of meetings at his official residence in Baluwatar despite the doctor's advice to take rest, said Bhattarai.

The Prime Minister has just returned from the US after receiving radio therapy at a New York hospital for the treatment of his lung cancer.

"As per the instructions of the Prime Minister, inter-ministerial coordination is being worked out among ministries of Foreign affairs, finance, commerce, energy, physical planning and home," Bhattarai said.

A draft of Power Trade Agreement to be presented to the Indian delegation is also being prepared.

The agreement will allow Nepal to export energy from India. Some parts of Nepal suffer power cuts for up to 12 hours a day during the dry season.

The Prime Minister is having consultations with leaders of all political parties in an attempt to forge national consensus on issues to be discussed with the visiting Prime Minister Modi and his team, he said. 

Modi will also offer a special prayer at the famed PashupatinathTemple situated on the banks of Bagmati river on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

Special arrangements have been made by the temple's authorities for Monday's prayer at the Pashupati, according to officials at Pashupati Area Development Trust.