Indian PM Modi Likely To Attend Nepal Donors' Conference

By Yuba Nath Lamsal KATHMANDU, June 12 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the donors' conference to be held in Kathmandu June 25 to raise funds for reconstruction of infrastructures damaged by the recent earthquakes in Nepal. In a telephone conversation with Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala Thursday, Indian PM Modi has expressed willingness to take part in the conference, said a statement from the Nepalese Prime Minister's secretariat. "Indian Prime Minister Modi has given his words to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to come to take part in the international donors' conference, scheduled for June 25 in Kathmandu", said the statement. The two prime ministers had held a telephone conversation Thursday after Nepalese finance minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat handed over Koirala's official invitation to Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. Finance minister Mahat is currently in New Delhi to invite Indian Prime Minister Modi to the donors' conference and also to discuss with Indian officials on possible cooperation for the reconstruction of the structures damaged by the earthquakes. Nepal plans to invite leaders of key donor countries and agencies including Indian PM Modi and Chinese premier Li Keqiang to the conference meant for raising funds for reconstruction. Nepalese foreign minister Mahendra Pandey is scheduled to fly to Beijing next week to formally hand over PM Koirala's official invitation to Chinese premier Li, said foreign ministry spokesman Tara Pokhrel. Nepal aims to raise at least a US$5 billion fund during the donor's conference for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Nepal has created a reconstruction fund to which it has already deposited US$2 billion. Nepal government has estimated reconstruction of damaged structures will require at least US$10 billion. An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit Nepal April 25 killing at least 8,700 people and damaging property worth over US$10 billion. Nepal plans to complete the reconstruction within three years, for which it has been seeking funds from the international community. --BERNAMA