KATHMANDU, AUG 22 - Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has expressed the confidence that the Nepal mandap at the Shanghai Expo-2010 would be successful in identifying Nepal's art, culture, architecture and norms and values in a meaningful way before the world.

Handing over the peace lamp brought from Lumbini to be taken to the Nepali stall at the expo being held in Shanghai of China to Chairperson of the Implementing Expert Group, Amrit Ratna Shakya at the Prime Minister's Residence on Sunday, Mr Nepal said this peace lamp from the birthplace of Buddha would help spread the message of peace throughout the world.

He also expressed the confidence that the Nepal mandap that has won accolades from around the world would be permanently stationed there.

Stating that Nepal and China share ancient and profound relations, Mr Nepal also said that the success of Nepal's participation in the international expo would help promote industry, trade and tourism relations between the two countries.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala said the peace lamp should inspire the parties to maintain national unity, consensus and understanding.

Minister for Culture, Dr Minendra Rijal said the Nepal mandap has highlighted Nepal's outstanding art and culture, and it has also helped identify Nepal before the world.

A total of 189 countries and more than 50 multinational companies are taking part in the world expo that began on May 1. It concludes on October 31.

The Nepali mandap came out among the top ten in the expo, and has so far been visited by around 500,000 people.