Kathmandu, Sept 3: US senator Chris Van Hollen is returning home today upon the completion of his three-day visit to Nepal. The senator who arrived here on Friday held meetings with government officials, representatives from the non-government offices, youths, lawmakers and the business community. During such meetings, Hollen expressed his concern over the US-funded health, electricity, transport and infrastructure projects in Nepal and said he was happy over the progresses of such endeavors. He also visited historic and cultural heritages in Nepal. Following his visit to the Bouddhanath Stupa today, the US senator said his visit aimed to further strengthen the bilateral ties between Nepal and the United States of America including at the people-to-people level when both countries observed the 76 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Reminding his previous Nepal visit in 1980, he said over the years, Nepal featured noticeable changes and achievements. He said he assessed his visit productive in terms of further consolidating political, economic and professional relations between Nepal and the US. “Nepal’s infant and lively democracy is highly significant,” he said, adding that the US had always partnered with Nepal in strengthening of democracy here. Following the Nepal visit, Hollen will visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives. —