KATHMANDU: The US Embassy in Kathmandu has reiterated whether to accept or reject the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreement is the sovereign decision of Nepal.
The US Embassy in a statement on Saturday said that the $500 million MCC grant is a gift from the American people and a partnership between the two nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis. “This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal,” reads the embassy’s statement.
The statement further said the year 2022 marks the 75th year of ties between Nepal and the United States. “During these 75 years, Nepal has seen monumental changes. We have stood with Nepal through these changes and supported the country with development aid, disaster response and preparedness assistance, health and education programs, and more. Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal’s decision alone,” added the statement.