Wednesday, May 3 2006 11:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: The US yesterday (May 2, 2006) assured Nepal that it would continue to provide it assistance in economic, political and security areas.

The assurance was given by US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher when he met Nepal's new Prime Minister G P Koirala.

The current political situation and bilateral issues also figured in their talks, according to state-run Nepal Television.

Boucher also met Royal Nepalese Army Chief Gen. Pyarjung Thapa at the Army Headquarters. During the meeting they discussed issues of mutual interest.

US Government will continue to assist Nepal in economic, political and security spheres, Boucher told reporters after his meeting with Koirala.

Washington wants to help in Nepal's democratization process and for its economic development, he said.

The US government had suspended lethal military supplies to Nepal in the back drop of seizure of power by King Gyanedra one and a half years ago.

It had joined the international community, including India and UK, in urging the King to restore democracy and civil liberties.

This is the first high official of any foreign country to visit Nepal after the King handed over executive power to the people by reinstating the Parliament.