Kathmandu, April 20 -- Samir Paul Kapur, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, arrived in Nepal on Monday for a three-day visit.

He is the highest-ranking foreign diplomat to visit Kathmandu since Balendra Shah assumed office on March 27.

During his stay, Kapur is scheduled to meet government officials, business leaders and cultural experts, the US Embassy in Kathmandu said, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening US-Nepal ties.

Two other officials from the US State Department are also expected in Kathmandu.

Kapur will hear the government's priorities and convey how Washington intends to support them. It has not been confirmed whether he will meet top political leaders, includi...