Kathmandu: India and Nepal need to work together to tackle the Maoist problem, Minister of State for External Affairs Rao Inderjit Singh has said, stressing on the cooperation between the two countries for creating a conducive atmosphere to hold general election in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Singh, who arrived in Kathmandu yesterday (Nov 29, 2004) to attend the Second World Buddhist Summit that began today (Nov 30, 2004) in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, had a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart Prakash Sharan Mahat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Shital Niwas.

During the meeting yesterday, wide range of matters relating to Nepal-India relations were discussed, a Foreign Ministry official said.

Bilateral issues including political, economic and security matters as well as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) related issues were covered during the meeting, he said. They also discussed Nepal's Maoist problem, the official added.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Singh said that Nepal and India need to work together to tackle the Maoist problem. Cooperation between Nepal and India is essential for creating a conducive atmosphere to hold general election in Nepal.

He said, "India is ready to help Nepal in the matter." India is waiting for the upcoming visit of Nepal King Gyanendra, the date of which is yet to be finalised, he said.

Nepal Government has pledged to start the election process within April next year setting January 13 as deadline for the Maoists to come for dialogue.

Singh, this morning, left for Lumbini, 350 km south west of Kathmandu. He is accompanied by Joint Secretary Ranjit Rae.