India will continue to do its best to assist Nepal: Pranab Mukherjee

Citing India's deep rooted ties with Nepal, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said New Delhi will continue to do its best to assist the neighbouring nation in its socio-economic development.

It is in India's interest that Nepal progresses as a stable, secular, democratic republic, the President said welcoming his Nepalese counterpart Ram Baran Yadav at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Mukherjee said that people of India consider him a great friend and value his long-standing support for Indo-Nepal relations.

"India attaches the highest priority to further strengthening its bilateral relations with Nepal in every sphere," Mukherjee was quoted as saying by a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson in a press release.

The President said India's relations with Nepal are deep rooted and unique with no parallel.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India will continue to do its best to assist Nepal in its socio-economic development," he said.

"It has always been India's endeavour to support peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal, in accordance with their wishes," he said.

The Nepalese President's visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, the spokesperson said.

The President of Nepal thanked the Indian President for the welcome and hospitality extended by the Government and people of India.

He said Nepal and India are closely connected with each other. He also thanked the President for the development assistance extended by India in virtually every sector.