Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is looking forward to visiting Nepal and expressed hope to have fruitful discussions with leaders and lawmakers of the Himalayan nation that will take India-Nepal relations to even greater heights.

He said Nepal and India are time-tested friends and the two nations share a common culture and heritage. In a statement prior to his departure for Nepal, Mr. Modi said the two countries will identify steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, hydro power, agriculture and agro-processing, environment, tourism, education, culture and sports.

He said he will also discuss with Nepali leadership and their business leaders how to harness the full potential of the new digital age to empower and create new opportunities for the youth of the two countries.

The Prime Minister said India is committed to continue its support to the neighbouring country in its development efforts and ongoing major projects for development of border infrastructure will usher in economic prosperity for the people living on both sides of the border and also enhance connectivity.

Mr. Modi said the visit is significant in another aspect also as it will provide him an opportunity to pay obeisance at Pashupatinath temple on the auspicious occasion of Monday in the month of Shravana.

Prime Minister will leave for Kathmandu on a two day visit on Sunday. He will be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising of seven Ministers.