Monday, June 5 2006 18:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Undertaking his first-ever visit abroad after taking over as Nepal's Prime Minister, G P Koirala flies to New Delhi tomorrow to seek India's cooperation in restoring peace and assistance for economic reconstruction of the insurgency-torn country.

Koirala is undertaking a four-day visit to New Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"Koirala will seek India's goodwill and cooperation to restore peace and consolidate democracy in Nepal," said a Nepali Congress central member Shekhar Koirala.

The talks between the two leaders will mainly focus on bringing the Maoists into the political mainstream, holding constituent assembly election and seeking India's economic assistance in reconstruction and rehabilitation of the insurgency-torn country, official sources said.

Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said during the visit he will seek economic assistance from India.

"The visit will focus only on economic agenda and contentious issues will not be raised, "he said.

Nepal will also try to understand India's stand on the possible engagement of UN in resolving the Maoists issue.

During the visit, the issue relating to the release of about 140 Neplalese Maoist from Indian jails would also figure, according to a member of the delegation.

The Maoists have demanded the release of all detainees before chief Prachanda and Prime Minister Koirala sit for talks to resolve the ten year-long conflict.

During his visit, Koirala will be accompanied by Minister for Physical Planning and Construction Gopalman Shrestha, Finance Minister Mahat, Minister for Land Reform and management Prabhu Narayan Chaudhari and Minister of Statefor Women, Children and Social Welfare Urmila Aryal.

The delegation will also include a team of businessmen and industrialists.