Canada on Thursday welcomed a landmark deal between Nepal's ruling parties and Maoist insurgents, hoping it will lead to a lasting peace and democracy in the country.
"The agreement on crucial security and political arrangements prepares the way toward a sustainable peace in Nepal," Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay said in a statement.
"Canada congratulates the negotiating parties, and encourages them to continue to work toward the successful implementation of the agreement's provisions."
The agreement will see the Maoist rebels joining an interim government to be formed by December 1 and locking up their weapons under UN supervision.
It will end a revolt that has claimed over 12,500 lives since 1996 and the rebels' parallel government structures in large parts of Nepal.
The agreement announced on Tuesday marks the third time the two sides have tried to strike a peace deal. Two previous attempts in 2001 and 2003 failed, plunging Nepal back into conflict.