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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi met for 30 minutes on the sidelines of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. This meeting from the Nepali side marks the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since they resumed their roles as prime ministers in their respective countries. 

For both Prime Ministers, this meeting comes at a pivotal moment. Having taken office for the fourth time, Oli has become one of Nepal's most experienced political figures, though his cumulative time as Prime Minister has only amounted to four-and-a-half years. This current tenure could extend for two more years, depending on the power-sharing agreement between Oli and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. If the agreement holds, Deuba will assume leadership in the second half of the government’s term. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been India’s Prime Minister for a decade, serving his third consecutive term. This time, however, he leads a coalition government, which comes with certain constraints, although he remains a strong leader. Modi's leadership has significantly shaped India's foreign policy, and in recent years, his administration has adopted a more cautious, pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy. India's response to developments in neighboring countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka reflects this careful balancing act. 

Following the meeting, both leaders took to social media to express their positive impressions. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "India-Nepal friendship is very strong, and there is a desire to make it stronger in the future. Our discussion was on issues like energy, technology and trade." In response, Prime Minister Oli also posted on X, stating that the meeting was "fruitful" and that various aspects of bilateral relations were discussed. While the meeting was brief and took place on the sidelines of the UNGA, it nonetheless signaled an important shift in tone, where both leaders seemed keen on fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.

Though sideline meetings like this one often do not involve detailed agenda-driven discussions, they are critical in building rapport between leaders. Exchanging warm greetings and briefly touching on key issues is often a good first step in clearing any lingering misunderstandings or tensions. The recent Oli-Modi meeting appears to have achieved this, creating a more favorable environment for addressing both long-standing and emerging issues between the two countries.

Reports suggest that the two prime ministers agreed to activate various bilateral mechanisms to resolve pending issues between Nepal and India. Currently, there are more than a dozen such mechanisms in place, many of which have been underutilized in recent years. Reinvigorating these mechanisms could provide a platform for addressing long-standing challenges such as border disputes, trade issues and developmental cooperation.

Over the past few years, Nepal’s perception of India has evolved, with India being seen more as an indispensable partner for development. The once-prevalent anti-India sentiment within Nepal has been visibly diminishing, and there is a growing recognition that cooperation with India is crucial for Nepal's economic growth and stability. This shift in public and political sentiment provides a timely opportunity for both countries to move forward on mutual concerns.

One significant aspect of the meeting, highlighted by Nepal's Foreign Minister Rana, was Oli's formal invitation for Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal. In a departure from the traditional diplomatic practice of Nepali prime ministers visiting India first, this time Modi will visit Nepal before Oli makes a reciprocal visit to India. This move underscores the importance both countries place on revitalizing their relationship. According to Foreign Minister Rana, preparations for Modi's state visit are already underway, signaling that both sides are ready to engage in more substantive talks in the near future.

The spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Rai, further emphasized a positive atmosphere created through the meeting, stating that it has helped strengthen the atmosphere of trust between the two countries. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi took the opportunity to congratulate Nepal for becoming the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Modi also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the shared challenge of climate change.

While the New York meeting was brief, it lays the groundwork for a new normal in Nepal-India relations. Moving forward, the relationship between these two neighbors will largely depend on addressing three key areas: development cooperation, resolving historical disputes, and building trust between their leadership.

Focus on development cooperation: Nepal and India need to orient their bilateral relationship on areas where both countries share common interests, particularly in development cooperation. Nepal, given its economic size and financial limitations, cannot offer direct development assistance to India. However, India's grants, loans and joint ventures are critical to Nepal's infrastructure and energy development. Hydropower projects, in particular, represent a major area of potential collaboration. The goal of generating 10,000 MW of hydropower over the next decade, along with projects like the Janakpur-Ayodhya railway, dry ports and initiatives under the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) framework are all areas where India can play a transformative role.

Nepal must ensure that these development partnerships are implemented efficiently, with proper mechanisms in place to honor commitments. However, India must also refrain from using development aid as political leverage for achieving her strategic goals. Both sides must commit to a spirit of cooperation where development serves the broader goal of mutual benefit rather than political maneuvering.

Dispute resolution: There are long-standing issues between Nepal and India, many of which are legacies from the past. Issues such as border disputes and political map disagreements have been sources of tension, but these matters can be resolved only through diplomatic dialogue. Both sides must be willing to let these issues take the necessary time rather than allowing them to escalate into more serious conflicts. Nepal should also work to address India’s legitimate security concerns, while ensuring the protection of its own sovereignty and interests. Both countries should sit together with the evidence to resolve these contentious issues.  

Building trust: Perhaps the most crucial element in Nepal-India relations is the need to build a strong foundation of trust between the political leadership of both countries. Mistrust has often arisen due to the rhetoric from leaders for domestic political purposes. While political leaders may sometimes make statements to satisfy their domestic constituencies, diplomacy requires a more measured and consistent approach. Both countries need each other’s support to flourish, and this can only happen if their leaders trust and respect one another.

In their new terms, Prime Ministers Oli and Modi have taken the first step toward rebuilding this trust. If they can continue along this path, the future of Nepal-India relations will be mutually beneficial.

Views are personal

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said as the largest contributor of troops and police to UN Peace operations, Nepal is ready to further enhance its contribution to global peace and security.

Addressing the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Oli called on the international community to march ahead without comprising the prosperity and happiness of future generations.

Explaining about Nepal's efforts for the establishment of peace after the armed conflict, he said that the Parliament passed the Transitional Justice Bill to settle transitional justice issues once and for all.

PM Oli shared, "The incumbent government, formed by the collaboration of two major political parties, is determined to secure stability while driving economic transformation for the inclusive and equitable prosperity to our people."

"We have been conducting our foreign policy with profound belief in ‘Amity with All, Enmity with None. Nepal is committed to further strengthening its close, cordial, and constructive relations with its immediate neighbors and beyond, rooted in the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and peaceful co-existence", added the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Oli stressed the need of resolving the Israel- Palestine conflict through peaceful dialogue.

"Nepal will be graduating from its LDC status by 2026 and we are diligently working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. But there is a financial gap of about 24 billion US dollars to attain the 2030 Agenda, he opined.

First Lady Radhika Shakya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Lok Bahadur Thapa and other members are the in PM's official delegation.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on promoting natural health care approaches to prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics, thereby supporting the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

PM Oli was addressing the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as part of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.

The theme of the AMR session was - “Investing in the present and securing our future together: accelerating multi-sectoral global, regional and national actions to address antimicrobial resistance.”

Stating that Antimicrobial Resistance has emerged as a critical global public health issue, the PM said Nepal has placed AMR as a top public health priority, recognizing the importance of a ‘One Health’ approach.

"As part of our commitment to fighting AMR, Nepal’s National Health Policy of 2019 has also prioritized AMR as a major public health issue, underlining the need to regulate and control antibiotic use effectively," he said, adding that Nepal has formulated a National Action Plan on AMR and introduced National Antibiotics Treatment Guidelines to provide clear direction.

However, national efforts alone are insufficient to combat threats posed by AMR, the PM said and Nepal, therefore, calls for a robust collaborative global response.

He said, "First, we must adequately invest in health infrastructures, research, and development. Second, we must advance sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, which promote healthy lifestyles and secure food safety, while simultaneously protecting our environment. Third, there is an urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks and surveillance systems to monitor the use of antimicrobials across sectors. Fourth, stronger international collaboration is essential for the development of new antibiotics, alternative treatments, and innovative solutions."

Noting that Nepal has developed a vision of ‘Nirogi Nepal – Healthy Nepal’ to promote overall health of Nepali people, PM Oli on the occasion asserted that our efforts are directed to minimize the use of antibiotics and foster a healthier, more sustainable future. "Let us work together to safeguard the future of people and planet, leaving no one behind," PM Oli exhorted.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba and the United Nations Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN-Women, Sima Sami Iskandar Bahous, held a meeting in New York on Thursday.

During the meeting, Minister Rana lauded the UN-Women for the works it has been carrying out in the women empowerment field.

She said that Nepal is always eager to work together with UN-Women for gender equality.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly Philemen Yang held a meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

PM Oli is currently in New York leading the Nepali delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli extended an invitation to the UNGA President to visit Nepal.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's principal political advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal among others were present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, held separate meetings with the leaders of Qatar, Pakistan and Laos on Thursday.

The meeting with the Qatar Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, was held at the office of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN. Principal political advisor to PM Oli, Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, among other officials were present in this meeting.

Similarly, PM Oli and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.  PM's advisor Rimal and Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa were present in the meeting.

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli and Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, had a meeting at the UN Headquarters. PM's principal political advisor Rimal, Nepal's permanent representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa among other officials were present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus held a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Nepal-Bangladesh relations with a focus on energy and transit cooperation, tourism, cultural exchanges, educational ties and cooperation in regional and multilateral forums were discussed, according to Bishnu Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal spoke at the World Leaders Forum on Monday in a talk titled “Nepal’s Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity.”

Jenik Radon, adjunct professor at the School of International and Public Affairs and drafter of the interim constitution of Nepal during the constitutional peace process, moderated the event, which was co-sponsored by the South Asia Institute.

University Provost Angelina Olinto introduced Oli at the start of the event and spoke about Oli’s role in Nepal’s political transformation.

“This includes the active role the Prime Minister has played as a political activist, a youth party leader, a parliamentarian, and a prime minister in this national transformation,” Olinto said.

Oli opened the event with a 12-minute speech discussing Nepal’s political and economic history as well as its goals for the future. He began by thanking Olinto and Columbia’s board of trustees.

“In our Nepali culture, we regard places of learning as temples of wisdom and when I am standing here, I feel as though I am standing in one of the greatest temples of all,” Oli said.

He touched on key milestones in Nepali history, noting that “the road to modernity and democracy was not a straight path.”

Oli spoke about the modern history of Nepal beginning in 1768 before talking about the 2015 constitution, which “enables us to focus on the next stage of our journey—the pursuit of economic prosperity.”

He described his “life-long struggle to freedom” as having centered on comprehensive democracy, which he defined as “an environment that guarantees equal rights, equal access to opportunities, social justice, and security as well as dignity for all.”

Oli answered questions from Radon and audience members for around 40 minutes and spoke on a variety of topics including climate change and Nepal’s relationship with India and China.

Radon asked two questions about swaths of Nepal’s youth leaving for employment and education opportunities abroad. Roughly one million people leave Nepal every year and 100,000 students study abroad, Radon said.

“The challenge is their education and development,” Radon said. “What steps will you be taking in the near future to make it a home for the million who are leaving as well as the hundred thousand who have left to get education elsewhere?”

Oli said that youth “flying away from the country” is an issue and that the trend is related to education, job opportunities, and economic development of the country, but he added that many who leave eventually return.

“People talk about the rush in the output, youths are going outside, outside, outside,” Oli said. “But they don’t take any account of the people coming back too.”

Radon then asked about climate change, to which Oli responded that the country is aware of the issue and pointed out the fact that Nepal has battled climate change by maintaining the natural form of the land.

Following Radon’s questions, students asked Oli about Nepal’s relationship to its neighbors, and one student asked about Nepal’s abstention on the U.N. resolution calling for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territories.

On the topic of the UN resolution, Oli did not directly respond concerning Nepal’s decision, but said that they “are always in favor of peace,” saying that Nepal is the “birthplace of Lord Buddha and the mountain of Buddhism.”

Referring to Nepal’s relationship with India and China, Oli said that they are between “two giant neighbors” with whom they have a friendship that is “undestroyable” and “lasting.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th UN General Assembly, attended a reception hosted by US President Joe Biden.

Prime Minister Oli joined the Heads of State and Government of different countries participating in the UNGA at the reception held at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York.

Alice Albright, the CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York attending the 79th UN General Assembly, various matters of bilateral interests between Nepal and the US, and MCC projects in Nepal were discussed.

"We look forward to early completion of the project for high quality connectivity through transmission lines and highways," the PM has posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account following the meeting.

Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, among others were also present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for adoption of an integrated approach, a ‘Mountain to Sea’ initiative in our climate actions, recognizing the inherent connections between this ecosystem.

"Their coverage should span from Everest to the Indian Ocean, from the Pamirs to the Pacific, and from the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean, recognizing environmental and ecological inter-linkages."

In his statement at the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the theme "Addressing the Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise" earlier today, Prime Minister Oli said we must take bold, decisive actions to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. "This is not just a number—it is the threshold for survival."

Even 1.5°C is too hot for the Himalayas, as ICIMOD states, because the elevation-dependent warming will amplify its impacts equal to a 2 degree-increase. The Himalayas and other high mountains are natural refrigerators and recharge systems, cooling all the air blowing through them and recharging the river systems downstream.

Calling for collective global effort to tackle rising sea levels, to build resilience in our nations, and to adapt to the changes, he said hand-in-hand, we must control release of pollutants that generate acidic clouds and other effects as the pristine glaciers are turning into the depository of various contaminants.  "Most importantly, we must deliver climate justice. Wealthy nations must lead from the front to support vulnerable countries."

Prime Minister Oli also called upon the UN General Assembly to convene a high-level meeting next year, dedicated to addressing the existential threats posed by climate change to both mountain nations and island states.

As global warming threatens the ecosystem between mountains and seas, mountain nations like Nepal and the coastal nations including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will turn into its conjoined victims, he said, "For the SIDS and other coastal nations there is a direct threat to their existence as by 2100 the coastal regions are likely to submerge with nearly two and a half meters in seawater." 

Representing the nation of Mt. Everest and the mighty Himalayas, also known as the ‘Third Pole’, I propose to start our deliberations keeping in mind a long connecting chain—the melting of ice and glaciers in mountains and polar regions that ultimately results in sea level rise (SLR).

"Our actions to prevent the SLR are integral to what we do to stop alarming loss of ice and snow from the mountains, to stop avalanches and glacial lake outbursts", he added.

A set of dry but dreadful figures illustrate the ecosystem from mountain to sea, which includes the contribution of glacier melt to the sea level rise, the amount of ice Nepal lost in just over three decades and the estimated loss of the Himalayan glaciers by 2100 A. D. under the current level of emissions.

For the billions dependent on snow-and ice-fed rivers, this will mean the drying of their lifeblood, and ultimately decimation of river-based civilizations, Oli said, "Because when two-thirds of the Himalayan glaciers are gone, Asia’s at least 10 river systems will also dry."

During his statement, Prime Minister Oli also urged to stop reckless burning of fossil fuel in the name of development to save our planet for future generations to come.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the disparity in health services between developed and underdeveloped countries should be ended.

As a result of this disparity, it has been challenging for underdeveloped countries to provide equal health services for all.

Addressing a program organized by Mount Sinai Hospital and AMPATH Nepal in New York today, Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th UN General Assembly, said that despite the vast improvements in science and technology underdeveloped countries are facing challenges in the field of health infrastructure. "There is disparity in health care and infrastructure between rich and poor countries. Due to financial constraints, the people of poor countries are not able to get easy and quality healthcare services", he said,

The Government of Nepal is working with the goal of providing basic healthcare services to all by according top priority to the health sector. We look forward to international cooperation and partnership towards this end.

Prime Minister Oli said that the Healthy Nepal campaign has been conducted to prevent people from falling sick rather than treating them after they fall ill, and said that the campaign is part of the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli also pointed out to the fact that before the development of modern medicine in the world the ancestors of Nepal developed traditional and Ayurvedic treatment methods, which are still in use today.

Nepal has made significant improvements in the health sector including bringing down the maternal and child mortality rate but due to inadequacy of resources the health infrastructure has not been developed as much as expected. "Despite gradual improvement in Nepal's health sector with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership of the international community is necessary for modern and infrastructure-equipped health services", he said, "I would like to thank Mount Sinai Hospital for its collaboration with Kathmandu University and Dhulikhel Hospital in training, research and resource mobilization to support Nepal's health sector,” Oli said.

Also speaking at the program, Research Director of Dhulikhel Hospital, Dr Rajeev Shrestha, shared with more than 70 percent of deaths in Nepal caused by non-communicable diseases, AMPATH is working to enhance specialist services in the treatment of diseases related to heart, kidney and of cancer.

The AMPATH Consortium is a network of academic health centers that aims to foster long-term, equitable and cross-cultural partnerships with host health centers and universities that serve populations with significant unmet needs. Each institution brings their own perspective and provides its own opportunities for medical trainee exchange programs and hands-on education, in the U.S., Canada and across the globe, according to AMPATH Nepal website.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) leading a Nepali delegation, held a meeting with Samoa's Prime Minister Faime Naomi Matafa on Tuesday.

They held the sideline meeting at the office of the permanent mission of Samoa to the UN in New York.

PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, foreign secretary Sewa Lamsal and permanent representative of Nepal to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others were also present in the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) leading a Nepali delegation, held a meeting with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb on Tuesday.

The two leaders had a meeting at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, foreign secretary Sewa Lamsal and permanent representative of Nepal to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged to open the Consulate General of Nepal in the western region of the US, California, soon.

Prime Minister Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, leading a Nepali delegation, made the commitment responding to the demand for the same by various organizations of the Nepali community.

There are around 100,000 Nepalis residing in the State. The Nepali Public Relations Committee, Nepali Association of Northern California and other organizations had called for the opening of a consulate office in San Francisco, California reasoning that it has been inconvenient for them to access the service by reaching New York or Washington DC, where the Consulate General of Nepal is currently located.

They have urged for the establishment of a consulate general office in the region as it would address the problems facing the Nepali community for the services, including passport renewal, to a great extent. 

Noting that he was positive to the demand, PM Oli assured that the government would take a decision in this regard soon. "We have already planned to open a Consulate General of Nepal in California soon", he said.

California State is a hub of science and technology as well as Silicon Valley, so Nepal and Nepalis can reap benefits from it, the demand paper stated.

The Committee also called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to draw her attention to the same issue and extended an invitation to visit California.

The Nepali Diaspora representatives had also expressed their interest before the PM that Nepalis living abroad would also play a role for the country's prosperity and development. 

They also discussed with the PM about the issue of dual citizenship and its proper address through amendment to the constitutional provisions. Prime Minister Oli showed concern over disputes within the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).

Prime Minister Oli urged all to work with the belief that a one-time Nepali would be a Nepali forever while hinting provision such as nullifying the abroad citizenship for exercising political rights in the country could be made,

In responding to queries from the participants in the political context, PM Oli said there would be no amendments to the constitution on issues such as democratic values, federalism, protection of republican system and sovereignty of the country.

He said that the constitution amendment issue would take the shape of consensus among the parties.

Meanwhile, different Nepali community organizations called on PM Oli and demanded the opening of Nepali Consulate General office in Texas. Likewise, Nepali community representatives based in Canada also urged the PM to take initiative for the establishment of the Canadian Embassy in Nepal.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Nepali youths living abroad to return home and create employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Oli, who is leading a Nepali delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said this at the World Leaders Forum organized by Columbia University on Monday.

He clarified that the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' has been put forward to eradicate poverty and ensure the right of all to live with dignity.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at a dialogue on 'Nepal's Journey of Democracy and Economic Development', he said there is only the data of students and youths who have gone abroad from Nepal but not that of returnees.

Noting that the government has brought out programs such as small-scale industries and 'startups' for employment opportunities, PM Oli urged the youths to unite in nation-building as he was clear that the country could not transform without the youth. 

"Nepal's economic situation is not very weak. On the contrary, I see a lot of potential for its prosperity, which we will be able to achieve within a short time if we work hard", he said, adding, "We are a rising democracy. We are also neighbors of economic powers like India and China. In that sense, Nepal is in a position to become a multi-dimensional economy for economic development".

Saying that he was leading a government with two major parliamentary parties that had played a decisive role in Nepal's democratic movement, PM Oli said he had a resolution to maintain good governance and transparency.

"We have no other intention but to make Nepalis prosperous and happy. We are fully committed to the journey of prosperity", the PM shared.

Addressing the 'Lead Free Future: Partnership Launch and Pledging Event' organized by USAID and UNICEF, PM Oli expressed solidarity with the lead-free campaign. He said that Nepal has already understood that the use of lead has affected the health of children.

He clarified that Nepal has been implementing the policy of freeing lead from its use with the understanding that it has affected the health of children and recently brought a bill related to food security in the parliament.

US President Joe Biden's wife Dr Jill Biden, the President of Dominica, the President of Malawi, among others, also spoke on the occasion.