KATHMANDU: Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri who is presently in India in course of participating in the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) met with his Indian counterpart Bhupender Yadav on Friday.

During the meeting held in New Delhi, the two discussed matters relating to bilateral interest and relations, according to Minister Shahi’s chief private secretary, Lek Bikram Shahi.

On the occasion, Minister Shahi highlighted deeper ties between the two close neighbours, acknowledging India’s support for development in various sectors in Nepal.

The two leaders also touched the issues of bio-diversity conservation and possibility of a bilateral agreement for cooperation towards that end. He sought India’s support for the management of red sandalwood, echoing the need of a common programme or approach to address air pollution, the common concern of the South Asia.

He also invited the Indian Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change to the Sagarmatha Dialogue that Nepal is set on May 16-18 under the theme of ‘Climate Change, Mountains and Future of Humanity’. He expected the participation of Minister Yadav in the event.

Senior officials from both countries were present in the meeting. He has been in New Delhi since March 4 to attend the Summit (March 5-7) and will return home on March 8.