The third edition of Nepal-Switzerland bilateral consultations was held in Kathmandu on Monday.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on matters of common interest, including the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, regional cooperation, cooperation within the multilateral frameworks and global issues such as climate change, migration, and human rights, read a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions also covered Nepal’s graduation from the least developed country status in 2026, Covid-19 related support as well as meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The two sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and discussed the possibilities of enhancing engagement in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, according to the statement.

The Nepali side thanked the Swiss government for thelongstanding cooperation to Nepal as a priority countryand stated that such cooperation will be vital in moving the country forward along the path of economic recovery, green growth and sustainable graduation from the LDC status. 

The Swiss side expressed readiness to work with Nepal in further strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries. The Swiss side also stated that its development cooperation will continue in Nepal through the Swiss Cooperation Strategy 2023-26, the Ministry said.

The mechanism of Bilateral Consultations was established in 2015 between the two Foreign Ministries. 

The previous meeting of the mechanismwas held in June 2018