Saturday, June 10 2006 10:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Describing his four-day official visit to India as successful, Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala yesterday (June 9, 2006) said friendship between the two countries should not be measured only in terms of money.

"Friendship should not be measured only in terms of money," Koirala told reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his return from India.

"The visit has helped in strengthening friendly relations with India," he said.

"The respect and welcome I received in India was not for me but for the Nepalese people and their struggle for democratic rights, he said.

Many important issues have been discussed during the bilateral talks with the Indian leaders, he said adding India had extended support to Nepal's peace initiatives and democratisation process.

India has pledged to extend cooperation in mega infrastructure building projects like developing railway linkages between Nepal and India and installing pipeline up to Amlekhgunj in western Nepal from India to supply petroleum products, he said.

"India has also agreed to provide 20 year soft loan of US $ 100 million, double scholarships, grant Rs 100 crore budgetary support to make up deficit and increase bilateral grant assistance from Rs. 65 crore to Rs. 100 crore," he said.

On Maoist problem, he said India was of the view that Nepal is itself capable of resolving the ongoing conflict.

He also said the United Nations can play a role in disarming Maoists and rehabilitating people displaced by the conflict.