SM Krishna to attend funeral of Koirala

External affairs minister SM Krishna will attend the funeral of former Nepalese Premier GP Koirala who died today.

Speaking to reporters here, Krishna described Koirala as one of the "steadfast friends" of India and recalled his meeting with the Nepalese leader during his visit to the Himalayan nation two months ago.

He said Koirala had strengthened the historic ties between India and Nepal. "In his death, India has lost a great friend".

The minister, who is flying to Nepal tomorrow to attend the cremation, was originally scheduled to campaign for Congress here in the next two days for the March 28 elections to the city civic body Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.