Nepal and the Republic of Korea have agreed to continue close cooperation on rescue and relief operations following the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River on August 26, with South Korea expressing readiness to support Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singha Durbar on Sunday, where they discussed the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations, including efforts to locate South Korean nationals reported missing in the disaster.
Khanal thanked the South Korean government for deploying an interagency rapid response team and the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) to flood-affected areas of Nepal. He also expressed appreciation for humanitarian assistance and relief supplies provided by South Korea.
During the meeting, Khanal highlighted the Nepal government’s next priority of rebuilding infrastructure in a resilient, durable and improved manner following the disaster. He expressed hope that South Korea would continue supporting Nepal’s reconstruction efforts.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho said his government was willing to support Nepal in its post-disaster reconstruction.
He also said the international community has a historical responsibility to support countries such as Nepal that are suffering the consequences of climate change. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cho stressed the need for Nepal and South Korea to work together to raise international awareness about the impacts of climate change, including through global platforms such as the Conference of the Parties (COP).
Cho further said South Korea would raise its voice for Nepal to receive financial support from the international community to address climate-related losses and damages.
The two foreign ministers also reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, building on the longstanding friendship, mutual trust and cooperation between Nepal and South Korea.
