US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, who is currently on a three-day visit to Nepal, held discussions with former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Lu first met Congress President Deuba at his residence in Budhanilkantha, where the two leaders exchanged views on the multifaceted relations between Nepal and the United States.

According to Deuba’s personal secretary Bhanu Deuba, the talks also touched upon global issues, highlighting the importance of mutual collaboration.

Later, Lu visited Dahal, chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) at his residence in Khumaltar. Dahal expressed hope that Lu’s visit would be fruitful in bolstering Nepal-US ties, according to the secretariat of the Maoist chair. He appreciated America’s longstanding support for Nepal’s economic development and highlighted Nepal’s efforts towards achieving economic prosperity through agriculture, energy, and tourism. “Nepal aims to lead in all sectors through information technology, and international collaboration and investment are vital for this,” former prime minister Dahal reportedly told Lu.

Dahal also updated Lu on Nepal’s peace process, emphasising its unique model of national consensus, according to his secretariat.

“Nepal’s peace process, completed through national consensus rather than majority-minority politics, is a source of pride not just for us but for the international community that values peace and stability,” Dahal is quoted as saying during the meeting. Dahal further thanked the global community for welcoming Nepal’s recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) bill.

Lu expressed satisfaction with Nepal’s progress and reiterated America’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in economic development, peacebuilding, and other areas of mutual interest. He also acknowledged Nepal’s environment conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and initiatives for sustainable development.

The visit includes interactions with civil society members and youth representatives. The US Embassy noted that Lu’s engagements aim to strengthen collaboration in environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and cultural enrichment.

Lu’s Nepal visit is part of his South Asia tour, which included stops in India and Sri Lanka.