President felicitates new Nepalese Prime Minister

(May 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) President Mahinda Rajapaksa has felicitated the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Rt. Hon. Madhav Kumar Nepal. In a congratulatory message to the new Nepalese Prime Minister, President Rajapaksa has recalled the historically close and friendly relations between the two countries and has expressed his confidence that under the guidance and leadership of the new Prime Minister, bilateral relations would be further strengthened and deepened.

The President, in his message has also pointed out that the appointment of the Prime Minister takes place at an important juncture for Nepal, which has adopted a republican form of Government and is now in the process of formulating a new constitution within a democratic framework.

The full text of the Message of the President is as follows:

Right Honourable Madhav Kumar Nepal May 26, 2009
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Excellency,

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in felicitating you on your election as the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Your appointment takes place at an important juncture for Nepal. Having adopted a republican form of Government, your country is now in the process of formulating a new constitution in a democratic framework. Your vast experience and in-depth knowledge of the momentous political developments in your country, no doubt, will guide you in steering Nepal towards consolidating peace and stability as well as a higher level of development.

Historic close and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal are continuing to expand into new vistas of cooperation. I am confident that under your guidance and leadership, bilateral relations between our two countries will be further strengthened and deepened. I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency in furthering regional cooperation, particularly towards the effective realization of SAARC objectives.

Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and my best wishes for your good health and personal wellbeing.

Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

-Sri Lanka Guardian