The forthcoming visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca to Nepal will contribute to cement Nepal-US ties and protect Nepal's democracy from terrorist threats, Nepali Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey said here Saturday.

"The visit starting from May 9 could be taken as the result of the efforts shown by King Gyanendra to promote quiet and effective diplomacy with friendly countries at the Asian-African summit that concluded recently in Jakarta of Indonesia," Pandey told journalists at an informal gathering at the ministry.

The Nepali government has accorded top priority to consolidate relations with the United States, Pandey said.

"King's step on Feb. 1 to rid the country of terrorism is similar to the US initiative to stem terrorism across the globe," Pandey said, adding that the king has focussed all his attention to promote democracy and eliminate terrorism.

The king took the onus of countering terrorism and safeguarding democracy in response to the popular aspirations of the people, Pandey revealed.

"All friendly nations need to back Nepal's efforts to root out terrorism and consolidate democracy," Pandey added.

Minister Pandey said that the forthcoming visit of Rocca would be instrumental to counter terrorism and boost bilateral cooperation in different areas of development.