During the second high level Nepal-Finland Consultative Meeting that began in the capital from Wednesday, the Finish Government gave assurance of providing the assistance under the country strategic program (2013 to 2017) for the implementation of development projects in Nepal.
The Finnish Government has assured us of financial assistance of around 150 million US dollar for the implementation of projects of priority in the three-year plan, Joint Secretary with Finance Ministry and Chief of Foreign Assistance Coordination Division Madhu Kumar Marasini told the RSS.
The meeting held after two years discussed matters of mutual support, sustainable development and increment of Finnish investment in new development projects in Nepal.
The Finnish side presented its views focusing on the issues relating to Nepal´s peace process, situation of human rights and the rule of law, according to Joint Secretary Marasini. The meeting also reviewed the assistance provided by Finland for the socio-economic development endeavors of Nepal and future projects.
The Nepali delegation apprised the Finnish side of Nepal´s political situation and overall situation of trade, commerce and import-export.
A 12-member delegation led by Director General of the Asia-USA Department in the Finnish Foreign Ministry, Pekka Pustenin comprising Finnish Ambassador Asko Luukkainen and heads of Finnish projects here took part in the meeting on behalf of the Finnish side.
The Nepali delegation comprised Finance Secretary Shantaraj Subedi and senior officers of ministries of foreign affairs, home, education, environment and law.
Diplomatic relations between Finland and Nepal were established on September 21, 1974. The Finnish Government has been providing assistance in sectors of poverty alleviation, education, environment, peace process, human rights promotion, sustainable development, forest, drinking water and drainage in Nepal since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Finland provided 125 million Euros as assistance in 2010.
Earlier, the first consultative meeting was held in Helsinki in November, 2010.
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