Kathmandu: Britain has announced USD 30 million assistance to carry out various development activities in Nepal for the next two years.

The visiting British Minister for International Development, Mike Foster yesterday announced the fresh financial aid at a function.

"The amount will be used to support the peace process and programmes on poverty reduction that would bring real change in rural Nepal," said minister.

He also called on the political parties of Nepal to use the historic opportunity to build lasting peace in the country. "It is imperative that the Nepal Government utilize the people's mandate by building lasting and inclusive peace."

Earlier this week, UK's Department for International Development (DFID) had announced sterling pound 102 million (1 pound -- 1.54193 USD) in support for the Nepal Peace Trust Fund, health and education sectors, building good governance, improving public financial management, rural infrastructure and livelihoods and addressing climate change for financial year 2008-09 and 2009-10.

During his visit, Foster had meetings with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam, Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav and UN Secretary General's Special Representative Ian Martin.

DFID has also pledged assistance amounting to Sterling Pound 500,000 to the Constituent Assembly. The British Minister also announced a financial support of sterling pound 1.4 million and sterling pound 4.5 million to build two bridges in eastern Nepal.

UK is the largest donor country to support Nepal's development activities.

Source : PTI