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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today laid a foundation stone for a new building to be constructed for trauma and emergency services of the Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchowk.

The facility is going to be constructed on the financial support of the Japan Government. The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had signed an agreement in this regard.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that development is a gradual process, requiring integrity and continuous effort to turn dreams of transformation into reality. "Those who envisioned an advanced healthcare facility here many years ago have contributed to making it a reality today," he said.

He also praised the local community for contributing land for the hospital’s construction and expressed hope that the hospital would leave no stone unturned in delivering quality services to those in need.

As per the latest agreement reached between the two sides on May 16, the Government of Japan will provide an additional grant of 3.02 billion yen for the improvement project of the Trauma and Emergency Centre (internal grant), according to the hospital.  The agreement for the grant assistance was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ikuina Akiko.

Although a grant agreement of 3.02 billion yen had already been signed between the two sides in 2023 for the implementation of the project, the additional grant was ensured as the initial budget had been insufficient to implement the project due to price rise and other financial issues.

As per the agreement, Japan shall bear 60% of the cost for the building and 40% for all sorts of medical devices. The facility will have a five-story building with three levels of basements, a parking lot, ICUs, three operation theaters, HDUs, laboratories, a pharmacy, waste management, and all other necessary service mechanisms.

Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel was also present on the occasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron underlined his commitment to resolving the Israel-Palestinian problem through a two-state solution on Wednesday, stressing that France's Middle East policy maintains no double standards, according to Reuters.

Speaking in Indonesia, Macron indicated that France is leaning towards recognizing a Palestinian state, a decision that could upset Israel and deepen divisions within the Western alliance.

 “Only a political solution will make it possible to restore peace and build for the long term,” Macron said.

He also announced plans to co-organize a conference with Saudi Arabia in New York. The event aims to advance the recognition of both the Palestinian state and Israel’s right to live in peace and security in the region, Reuters reported.

Opposition parties including the CPN (Maoist Centre) concluded that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak should step down from the post for his alleged involvement in the 'visit visa' scam. 

A meeting of the opposition parties held at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor today accused the Home Minister of being responsible for the irregularities.  

Aam Janata Party Chair Prabhu Sah, who was also present in the meeting, said that the House proceedings will be halted until the Home Minister resigns. 

Meanwhile, Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal  and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a telephonic conversation amidst the meeting. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters is arriving in Kathmandu this afternoon on a two-day official visit to Nepal. 

The Deputy Prime Minister will separately pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed. 

Similarly, the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand will hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba this evening. 

After the meeting, there will be a joint press conference, and in his honor, Foreign Minister  Rana will host a dinner. 

This is the first ever visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand to Nepal.