From correspondents in Kathmandu, Nepal, 08:01 PM IST

The European Union congratulated Nepal on the election of its first president Monday, calling it a "historic day".

Within hours of the outcome of the first presidential election becoming public, the European Union heads of mission in Kathmandu issued a joint statement, congratulating Ram Baran Yadav on winning the presidential poll run-off Monday.

"This is a historic day," the EU statement said. "It is a decisive moment (in) the democratic process and building the stable, prosperous future that the people of Nepal justly deserve."

The EU said Nepal would have its continuing support for securing peace, democracy and development.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)