United Nations General-Secretary Ban Ki-moon arrived in Kathmandu on Friday evening for his 22-hour visit to Nepal, acting on the invitation PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal had extended during the UN General convention last month.

Ban Ki-moon is the first international leader to come to Nepal since the Maoist formed the government. Many view that his visit will help establish and strengthen the image of the Maoist-led government in the international community.

Ban, who flew in from New Delhi in a special UN aircraft, was met at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Nepal's Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav and Minister for Tourism Hisila Yami.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, the Secretary-General issued a statement saying that he was delighted to be here to witness "a remarkable political-social transformation through a home-grown peace process and national reconciliation."

Ban Ki-moon met up with Dahal at Singh Darbar on the very evening. He assured that UN will continue to support the peace process here. The talks were centred on the issues of army integration and UNMIN's future. Dahal expressed gratitude for UN's role in peace building in Nepal.

"Well before I became Secretary-General I watched with great interest the peace process that began to unfold in 2005 and its achievements. And since taking office I have given my full personal support to the work of the UN in support of the peace process," he said in his the statement.

While admitting that a lot has been accomplished regarding the peace process, he added that much remains to be done: "There are still numerous challenges to overcome. Although this is a short visit I am sure it will give a very good first-hand feel for the historic times the country is going through."

Ban is scheduled to meet President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, foreign minister Upendra Yadav and Girija Prasad Koirala, president of main opposition party, Nepali Congress, during his visit. He will also meet with the members of Constituent Assembly (CA). The Secretary General will then visit Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Buddha before flying off to Dhaka.

"I come to congratulate the people of Nepal for the remarkable historic progress they have made in establishing peace, and in particular, for the successful election of the Constituent Assembly in a largely peaceful process last April that has earned the admiration and respect of the entire international community. I come also to reaffirm the UN's firm commitment to continue to support the consolidation of peace and reform," Ban Ki-moon said.