Kathmandu, Mar. 23: Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Torun Dramdal today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal at the latter's office in Singha Durbar.

The meeting between the two focused on bilateral welfare and concerns of both Nepal and Norway.

On the occasion, stating that Norway was a reliable development partner for Nepal, the minister remembered Norway's positive assistance for the drafting of the Constitution here and its peace process.

Praising Norway for its assistance in the areas of energy, society, education and climate change, she said that Nepal was always interested to cooperate with the country in the realms of mutual concerns and development between the two countries.

Nepal had been incurring a huge loss every year due to off-season rains caused by climate change. So, it wants to join hands with the Norwegian Government in reducing such risks, she said. It could be an exemplary work when there was a cooperation between Nepal and Norway in reducing risks in districts like Manang, Ilam and Sindhupalchok where off-season rains took their toll, she added.

In response, the Norwegian Ambassador said that the Norwegian Government was interested to expand its investments in the energy sector of Nepal and would cooperate with it in the development of its renewable energy and hydropower.