Nepal's commitment to democracy an 'example' to world, says US as it congratulates new PM Prachanda

United States on Tuesday congratulated Nepal's newly-appointed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and said it will continue to stand with his government to promote issues of bilateral, regional and global importance.

US embassy in a statement said that Nepal's commitment to democracy is an "example to countries around world" and America looks forward to supporting Himalayan nation as it continues to deepen its "democratic tritions.” “We are proud to have h robust and longstanding ties with Nepal and will continue to stand with government of Nepal to promote issues of bilateral, regional and global importance, such as achieving sustainable economic growth and strengning democracy and human rights,” it said.

Prachanda, who is known to be close to China, was sworn in for third time as Prime Minister of Nepal on Monday. 68-year-old former guerilla leer was appointed as Nepal's new premier after he surprisingly walked away from five-party ruling alliance led by outgoing Prime Minister Sher Bahur Deuba's Nepali Congress and staked a claim for premier's post before deline set by president expired on Sunday.

Nepal and US marked 75 years of ir diplomatic relations this year.

Nepalese Parliament in February approved a contentious USD 500 million US government aid programme -- Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), despite domestic political divisions and objections from China.

China, which is in a tussle with US for influence in Himalayan nation, in a sharp reaction h said that Washington should not undermine sovereignty of or countries through “coercive diplomacy”.

China is stepping up its forays into Nepal through various infrastructure ventures, including trans-Himalayan connectivity projects, under Beijing's ambitious Belt and Ro Initiative (BRI). PTI SBP PMS AKJ PMS PMS