Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Indian external affairs secretary Vijay Mohan Kwatra has arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day visit.
Kwatra arrived on Monday at the invitation of foreign affairs secretary Bharat Raj Poudyal.
During the visit, the two secretaries will discuss a wide range of issues like connectivity, energy trade, agriculture, health, culture and other matters related to bilateral relations, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is Kwatra’s first visit to Nepal since his promotion to external affairs secretary. Kwatra was promoted to the post while serving as the Indian ambassador to Nepal.
Kwatra’s Nepal visit for bilateral consultation at a time when parties are holding discussions for the presidential election is seen with great significance.
Having also worked as Director at SAARC Headquarters some two decades ago, he is known as a Nepal expert in the Indian diplomatic circle. He is said to be close to former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
