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German prosecutors stated on Wednesday that three Ukrainian nationals had been arrested in connection with a suspected sabotage plot aimed against Russian-linked transit networks. The arrests took place in Cologne and Konstanz, Germany, as well as in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland.

The suspects are accused of planning arson and explosive assaults in Germany on behalf of others suspected of working for Russian state officials. Authorities also claim the organization intended to send explosive devices from Germany to Ukraine, designed to detonate during transit, as reported by Firstpost.

The case is being investigated as a foreign intelligence operation designed to disrupt German infrastructure. The suspect apprehended in Switzerland is expected to be extradited to Germany for additional legal proceedings.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the EU on Monday to discuss continued support for Ukraine and enhanced regional defence cooperation, according to Reuters.

The discussions take place before Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with EU leaders on May 19 to discuss improving trade relations after Brexit and securing a new defense agreement.

Lammy is expected to announce new sanctions targeting those aiding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move follows a joint visit to Kyiv by leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland to support Ukraine’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, backed by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has subsequently suggested holding direct peace negotiations with Ukraine.

Friedrich Merz has been elected Germany’s chancellor after securing 325 votes in a second round of parliamentary voting, following an unprecedented initial defeat, BBC reported.

Merz, 69, leads the CDU/CSU alliance, which gained 28.5 percent in the February election. The conservatives formed a partnership with the SPD, which gained 16.4 percent when Olaf Scholz's cabinet collapsed.

Merz received only 310 votes in the first round, despite having 328 seats in total. He was formally appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and will take the oath in the Reichstag.

The new coalition claims tax cuts, lower energy prices, higher defense expenditure, and continuing support for Ukraine, all while addressing the emergence of the far right and strained US-Ukraine economic relations, according to BBC.

Friedrich Merz, the head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), fell six votes short of the 316 votes needed to win a parliamentary majority and become Germany's next chancellor on Tuesday, BBC reported.

Merz earned only 310 votes in a secret ballot, even though the Social Democrats held 328 seats and he was part of the CDU-Christian Social Union (CSU) combination. This is the first time a candidate for chancellor has lost on the first vote since World War II. Germany's DAX stock index dropped 1.8% as a result.

Olaf Scholz, the departing chancellor, is still serving in a caretaker capacity while the parties negotiate the next course of action. In order to guarantee leadership stability, CDU officials have demanded a speedy second vote, as stated by BBC.

Germany’s economy grew by 0.2 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the federal statistics office. The slight expansion, fueled by consumer spending and investment, is consistent with market expectations and has helped the economy avoid a technical recession following a 0.2 percent contraction in the previous quarter, Reuters reported.

Despite this positive uptick, Germany is the only G7 country that has not experienced yearly economic growth in the last two years. Analysts warn that President Donald Trump's newly announced US tariffs might have a substantial influence on Germany's export-driven economy, potentially paving the way for a third consecutive year of stagnation – an unprecedented scenario in the country's postwar history.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Donald Trump to visit his country ahead of any deal with Russia to end the war.

"Please, before any kind of decisions, any kind of forms of negotiations, come to see people, civilians, warriors, hospitals, churches, children destroyed or dead," Zelensky stated during an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes program, BBC reported.

The interview was conducted before to the deadly Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, which left 117 people injured and 34 dead, including two children.

Trump called the incident "horrible," while Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, charged Russia of war crimes, according to BBC.

There was no quick formal response from Russia, whose forces over the border are thought to be preparing for a major onslaught.

Thomas Prinz, who has served as the German Ambassador to Nepal since September 2021, is nearing the end of his tenure. He embarked on his diplomatic career in 1998 by participating in EU election observation missions. Over the years, he has held various roles within the German Federal Foreign Office and served in German embassies across several countries, with a particular focus on Asia.

Prinz emphasizes that Germany and Nepal will continue to strengthen their partnership, rooted in shared values such as democracy, individual freedom and a commitment to building a just and equitable society that prioritizes environmental conservation and climate action. The two nations have fostered a robust relationship over the past 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1958. Development cooperation began in 1961, and Germany has since become one of Nepal’s key trading partners. In this context, Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pratik Ghimire of ApEx sat down with Ambassador Prinz for an interview. Excerpts: 

Can you share your overall impression of Nepal?

Nepal is a great country with wonderful people—very welcoming, very open and very friendly. It has always been a great pleasure for me to work with Nepal and Nepali counterparts. Nepal has such a diverse culture, with many different ethnic groups, including the Newari culture, as well as indigenous and tribal cultures in the valley and up in the mountains. It’s a fantastic place.

What is the one thing you will miss most about Nepal?

It’s indeed the friendliness of the people. Recently, I had a guest from Germany here, and she has traveled to various countries in this region. She said it’s so nice coming to Nepal—such a friendly and welcoming culture. People are always smiling on the streets, in taxis and at the airport. That is really something that touches me, and I will always keep that in my mind and remember it.

How do you see the current state of Nepal-Germany relations?

We have a very friendly bilateral relationship. We do not have any problem whatsoever. We are very good partners in many international matters, and we coordinate well. The way we conduct our development cooperation in Nepal is very much appreciated by the Nepali government. So, all in all, I would say we have extremely friendly relations. And that’s one reason I always feel pleasure working here in Nepal.

Do you think Nepal-Germany relations could have expanded further, considering past political engagements?

There is a problem on both sides. For Nepali politicians and decision-makers, Europe and Germany are far away. And the same is true for the German side. Nepal is, hence, not always in focus. It is up to us, the diplomats, to bring these countries into the focus of our decision-makers and try to engage top-level politicians in personal meetings. It happened last year when the President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel made an official visit to Berlin and was received by the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany. But of course, we would like to see more of these developments. As I said, the problem is on both sides. During Covid, there was no travel, then we had Russia attacking Ukraine, Brexit and all these issues were consuming politicians in Europe. So, in a way, it's understandable that Nepal was not in focus.  

Another problem that hinders progress is the high fluctuation of political decision-makers in Nepal. Since I have been in Nepal, I have met three Prime Ministers, six Foreign Ministers and five Home Ministers. This rapid turnover of political personnel makes it difficult to build long-term relationships. I am sure that if Nepal had more stability, it would also be easier to establish more personal contacts.

Is there a one-way dynamic in Nepal-Germany relations, where Germany has been providing assistance for seven decades while Nepal has not engaged in proper negotiations?

Indeed, I sometimes discuss with my European colleagues how we could make decision-makers in Nepal more aware of the opportunities they could find for closer cooperation with Europe. We do not have this strategic view in the region, like, for instance, the direct neighbors have or maybe also outside big powers have. We are more interested in long-term business-making, civil contacts and so on. That is why I think they could take a closer look at Europe in some areas. 

We offer some business opportunities that others don’t. Even if others do offer the same, why not go with the Europeans? When you choose European partners, you are not in this, let’s say, political competition between northern and southern neighbors and so on. Therefore, sometimes I think Nepali decision-makers could take a closer look at what Europeans have to offer.

What is Germany’s Indo-Pacific outlook, and how does it view South Asia? How is Germany engaging with the region, and where does Nepal stand?

We have an Indo-Pacific guideline—or strategy, you could say—which was adopted by the German government about five years ago, and it clearly states that we want to strengthen our relations with democratic states and governments in the region. And Nepal is definitely one of those countries. So basically, the decision is to have a stronger footprint in the area and to closely cooperate with democratic countries. The fact that we revoked our decision to end our bilateral development cooperation is part of those guidelines. The fact that we are still very active here with our development cooperation is based on our commitment to strengthening democratic countries in this region.  

Regarding Germany’s outlook on South Asia, I have to say it is very much dominated by Germany-India bilateral relations, as India is the dominant country in the region. We have very strong trade relations with India, with cooperation in universities, research and so on. That largely shapes the perspective of German decision-makers, and I have always been busy trying to convince politicians, who visit South Asia and go to India to also look across the border and see what is happening in Nepal. When we have trade fairs in India, I try to convince our Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai to encourage German participants to take a look at Nepal. That will take some time, but I am quite optimistic that with India's growth, we will see some positive effects in Nepal too.

The Nepali government claims that the current environment is favorable for investment. How do you view Nepal’s overall investment climate from a German perspective?

The investment climate for foreign investment in Nepal is actually not very good or welcoming. We see minor improvements, and there is willingness on the part of the government to improve things, but we have to see how it plays out on the ground. The announcements we have heard so far are okay, but we need to see how they translate into action. How difficult it is to get a work permit or transfer money—these factors hinder foreign investment here.  

The fact that when you open a business here, you are always a minor partner in a joint venture. This is very difficult for European companies because they have their own compliance practices, and when they can’t guarantee these compliance practices, it becomes very difficult for them to invest. So, all in all, I would not consider Nepal a foreign investment-friendly country. I hope that will change, and I trust the government’s intention to improve the situation, but to convince investors that real change is happening, we need to see concrete improvements on the ground.

Germany is experiencing a labor shortage and has eased visa regulations to attract workers from countries like Nepal. What are the latest developments on that front?

We have changed our immigration laws recently and have become much more open to receiving foreign labor. Last year, we had a change in immigration law, and we are now openly welcoming skilled labor from abroad. It has become very easy to immigrate to Germany if the candidate brings any kind of skills with them. If you have a master's degree from Nepal or have already been studying in Germany and obtained a degree from a German university—whether in engineering, IT or any other field—you can easily apply for a job in Germany. If you find a job, we will issue the visa. We even accept people who come to Germany without having a job, as long as they have a degree and want to search for a job in Germany. In such cases, we can also issue a visa.  

We also have one way to migrate to Germany for unskilled labor, which is through the Nepal Secretariat for Skills and Training, an institute in Kathmandu. Through this program, we offer a one-year German language training course. Once they pass the course, they can go to Germany for vocational training, which is paid from the very first day. They are treated equally to Germans who undergo vocational training in Germany, receiving the same health insurance and social security benefits. Currently, we have about 130 Nepalis in this program already in Germany, and about 500 in the preparatory course in Kathmandu.  

So, besides skilled work, this is another way to go to Germany. When they complete this three-year vocational training, they graduate with a diploma and can then stay in Germany and work. These are the immigration pathways we have opened, and as we can see, many Nepalis are already following them. We are optimistic that we can increase the number over time.

Have you identified any potential areas where Nepal and Germany can expand further?

There are some traditional areas of cooperation, and we should continue working on them in the future. I am happy that we have now reached pre-covid numbers of German tourists coming to Nepal, and in this area, we will see further development. I could imagine, for instance, adding other groups of tourists, such as bicycle tourists or female trekking groups—these are areas where I see potential. Cultural groups also present opportunities.  

But beyond these traditional areas of cooperation, I see huge potential for Nepal in the field of IT services. Nepal already has a very vibrant IT sector, and I can only encourage decision-makers to put more effort into further developing it. There is tremendous demand for IT services, including programming, AI and algorithms essential for modern society. We have successful programmers here in Nepal, and those in Europe who are already working with Nepali programmers have had very positive experiences. So, I hope that in the future, this cooperation will create even more opportunities.

How do you see Nepal’s recent engagement with China?

China is one of Nepal’s two major partners, and whoever is in government in Nepal must engage with both. That will never be easy. Nepal has a major partner to the north and another to the south, and geography cannot be changed. For every Nepali politician, decision-maker and foreign minister, it is absolutely necessary to maintain good relations with both. The key is to balance these relationships—to cooperate with both without losing the ability to make independent decisions. It is crucial for Nepal to remain in a position where it cannot be blackmailed or forced into actions against its interests by either side.  

My recommendation would always be to follow the policies that various governments have adopted to avoid falling into a debt trap from any side. Nepal is a sovereign country and can engage with both neighbors. Several governments have demonstrated the ability to find an equilibrium and manage these relationships effectively. Moreover, both of Nepal’s neighbors have an interest in the region’s smooth development—nobody wants instability. Nepali politicians have experience in managing these dynamics and understand how to deal with two powerful neighbors.

What are your suggestions to our politicians on Nepal’s development?

I would say Nepal should focus on its strengths. Tourism, for instance, could be an area to build on. Currently, foreign tourists spend around $20 per day in Nepal, and efforts should be made to increase this figure, positioning Nepal as a more high-end destination. Another area where Nepal is strong is in IT services. The government should do whatever it can to support institutions that train IT engineers and make it easier for the sector to develop. It should also facilitate foreign companies to set up shop in Nepal to take advantage of the potential offered by these young engineers. Those would be my recommendations.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged an assistance of 100,000 Euros to support communities impacted by the devastating floods of September 2024 in Nepal.

 Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, the German Envoy to Nepal, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, signed the grant agreement with One Heart Worldwide for a project titled “Emergency Response and Recovery Plan for Continuation of Maternal and NewbornHealth (MNH) Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sarlahi, Rautahat and Kavrepalanchowk Districts,” that aims to provide vital healthcare services in the affected regions. Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO of One Heart Worldwide signed the agreement on behalf of the organization, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Germany.

One Heart Worldwide is an organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for mothers and newborns in remote areas of Nepal for over a decade. Through this project, One Heart Worldwide will focus on maintaining access to basic health services, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and delivering emergency supplies to pregnant women, new mothers, and their families in the three most heavily affected districts from the recent floods and fire: Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchowk.

Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts, is home to a significant Muslim and Dalit population, who have been disproportionately affected by recurring disasters. Frequent floods, fires, and cold waves have made survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. The recent fires have affected 25 households, while 53 people are rendered homeless. Similarly, Sarlahi and Kavrepalanchowk were heavily affected during the recent floods caused by the incessant rains.

The project will provide affected individuals with Dignity Kits, Winterization Materials, Hygiene Kits, and Kitchen Utensils, as well as Health Facility Medical Equipment and Supplies, and establish WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) stations at healthcare facilities. The cold season is expected to have a particularly severe impact on pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“This is an important project for districts heavily affected by the recent disasters. With the harsh winter, we are relieved thatthe most vulnerable populations are receiving the support they urgently need,” said Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, according to the statement.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement with the German Embassy. This grant will provide critical assistance to mothers and newborns in these vulnerable communities, ultimately supporting the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts,” shared Mr. Surya Bhatta.

The project is slated to complete by June 2025.

The German government is to provide 100,000 Euros (EUR) to the drinking water project constructed at Dhulikhel Municipality in Kavrepalanchowk.  The drinking water project was damaged by floods and landslides that occurred in the last week of September.

The municipality had in mid-October proposed German Ambassador to Nepal, Dr Thomas Prinz for the reconstruction of the damaged project.

Mayor Ashok Byanju on the behalf of the municipality and Tirtha Sinha on the behalf of the German Agency for International Cooperation signed the memorandum of understanding for the same. 

The German Embassy in Nepal through GIZ was ready to provide Rs 14.2 million support for the reconstruction of the drinking water project.

As per the agreement, the financial assistance would be provided to Dhulikhel Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers' Committee within a few days, said the mayor. 

Locals of ward no 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 and government offices at the district headquarters have still been facing problems with drinking water.

Meanwhile, drinking water is being supplied in the municipality after partial reconstruction of the project.

Committee Chairperson Krishna Bhusan Shrestha said Rs 1.97 million has been spent to carry out repair and maintenance of the project so far.

Around Rs 35 million has been estimated for the complete reconstruction of the three-decade old drinking water project.

The German government has decided to extend assistance for the reconstruction of Dhulikhel Drinking Water Project which was damaged by the disaster two months back.

The German Embassy in Nepal is offering Rs 14.5 million via its aid agency, GIZ, to reconstruct the damaged water supply system, according to Mayor Ashok Byanju.

During a recent meeting with Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Byanju, German Ambassador to Nepal Dr Thomas Prinz had vowed to provide monetary support to the municipality so that it would be able to reconstruct the damaged drinking water project.

The amount would be released immediately after a bilateral agreement on assistance, according to Byanju.

However, the municipality has estimated that it would cost over Rs 35 million for the reconstruction of the drinking water project.

With the damages of essential service, the people from ward no 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 in the municipality have bearing the brunt.

Germany is gradually easing its laws on citizenship, immigration and visas to attract migrant workers to address increasing labor shortages. As a result, the European nation is becoming an appealing destination for youth seeking jobs and education for countries like Nepal. Many Nepali students and migrant workers are currently heading to countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. 

Germany needs 400,000 foreign workers annually to bridge its labor gap, according to the country’s Federal Employment Office. Recent data shows that 10,670 Nepali workers and students have already chosen Germany. Nepali citizens can apply for a German work visa if they meet any of the following criteria: completion of a recognized training course or study program, a degree equivalent to a German qualification, a degree recognized in Germany, at least five years of professional or academic experience, vocational training, and German language proficiency.

In 2023, the German Parliament passed legislation aimed at attracting workers from non-European countries. Germany is now looking at South Asia and Southeast Asian countries for skilled laborers to keep its economy moving. The new law prioritizes work experience over academic qualifications, allows foreign workers to bring their families, and offers a pathway to citizenship. Germany has also relaxed its citizenship policy—anyone with five years of work experience in Germany and strong German language skills can apply for citizenship. This shift is driven by an aging population, with baby boomers retiring and birth rates steadily declining.

Germany’s population is at risk of long-term decline, with a birth rate of only 1.5 children per woman—below the two children needed to sustain the population. Without immigration, this trend is expected to continue. After a baby boom in the 1960s, birth rates began to decline from the 1980s onward. According to DW, there have been significant changes in birth patterns in a long-term comparison with 2013. In 2013, 49.4 percent of births were first children, 34.4 percent were second children, and 16.1 percent were third or subsequent children. However, between 2013 and 2023, the proportion of first-born children has decreased, while births to third or later children have increased.

According to migration expert Frank Burgdörfer, most women in the 1970s had children in their early 20s, but today, they are more likely to have children in their 30s. Without migration, Germany’s population will continue to shrink, while the number of people requiring care is steadily rising, he added.

Germany’s labor market is now facing multiple challenges. Unemployment is gradually declining, while job vacancies are increasing daily. According to Burgdörfer, sectors with high demand include finishing and dry construction, geriatric care, industrial glass production, metal production and construction, building construction, and vehicle and aircraft manufacturing.

In eastern Germany, 39.7 percent of businesses are struggling with skilled labor shortages, compared to a lower 31.8 percent in Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate, according to Burgdörfer. Employers in many eastern regions face particular challenges in recruiting highly skilled young workers due to a noticeable decline in the working-age population and low net migration. Structurally weak rural areas and small towns are especially vulnerable, potentially falling behind economically as a result, he added.

Official statistics show that the working-age population is expected to shrink by 1.6m to 4.8m over the next 15 years, while the number of people reaching retirement age (67 or older) will increase significantly throughout the 2020s and 2030s.

Germany plans to attract 400,000 skilled workers annually. But there are various challengers. High taxes and the difficult German language pose major barriers, especially as Germany competes with the USA, Canada and China for talent. Following the Russia-Ukraine war and other global conflicts, Germany has seen an influx of refugees. However, integrating them into the workforce has proven challenging due to language barriers and lack of vocational skills. While humanitarian immigration has increased, it has not translated effectively into meeting Germany's skilled labor demands.

Various German institutions, including the Goethe Institute, are working to support successful integration into the German labor market. According to Schengen News, Germany granted 80,000 work visas in the first half of 2024, with 40,000 issued to skilled workers—3,000 more compared to the same period of 2023.

Ralph Heck, chairperson of the Bertelsmann Foundation, said that population aging is evident across almost all German states. The percentage of people aged 65 and above is projected to increase from 22 percent in 2020 to 28 percent in 2040, while the working-age population will decline from 54 percent to 48 percent.

A March 2024 report by the Federal Institute for Population Research revealed that live births in 2023 fell to their lowest level since 2009. The birth rate dropped from 1.57 per woman in 2021 to approximately 1.36 in autumn 2023. According to the report, West Germany's birth rate has historically remained low, fluctuating between 1.2 and 1.4 children per woman for four decades after 1975.

Germany’s most in-demand professions include green jobs, nursing professionals, physicians, engineers, IT specialists, scientists, craftspeople, and various healthcare roles such as dental assistants, medical assistants, veterinary assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and podiatrists. Nepal and Germany signed an agreement for legal labor migration in October last year. Labor ministry officials say Germany is looking to recruit some 3,000 workers from Nepal.

 With over 380,000 foreign students, Germany ranks  fourth worldwide among the most popular study destinations.  According to the study carried out by Fintiba, for the first time since 2024, the Indian make up the largest share within this group, replacing the Chinese as the most prominent population group. And the  numbers of Nepali students in German universities are increasing over the past few years. 

A survey conducted by Fintiba, the leading finance and insurance platform for international students and job seekers, reveals that Germany is primarily valued for its career opportunities and openness. Moreover, the German universities can set themselves apart from other top nations for international students (USA, United Kingdom, Australia) with a unique selling point. 

Overall, 71 percent of the surveyed international students indicate that they want to work in Germany, thus seeing their studies in Germany as a springboard for their professional careers. As the most important factor for their career plans, 73 percent of all participatns in the Fintiba survey cite the good career opportunities in the German job market compared to their places of origin. Jonas Marggat, CEO of Fintiba says: Foreign students are generally in a very comfortable situation in the Germany. The high quality standards and almost no tuition fees combined with the subsequent great career opportunities are almost unique world-wide. 

Nevertheless, the remaining challenges, especially the language barrier, must to taken very seriously. Therefore, we at Fintiba ensure that actual complications such as bank accounts and insurances are provided quickly and securely for the students so that they have enough time for the state and university-organized integration courses, he said. Administrative hurdles represent another obstacle for around 20 percent of international students. According to the study, 22 percent of students reported difficulties with immigration authorities, while 17 percent had problems adapting to new academic structures. 

Not only the students, the migrant workers from South Asian countries to Germany is increasing over the past few years. According to Federal Statistical Office, 10565 Nepalese are living in Germany for the study and works.  Similarly, around 2000 temporary residence permit has been granted to Nepali students for the educational purposes. More than 8,000 Nepali are studying in the various universities and every year number is increasing. Over the past decade, Germany is increasing the scholarships quotas for the Nepali students. 

President Ramchandra Paudel recently paid an official visit to Germany and Switzerland, countries with which Nepal established diplomatic relations in 1958 and 1956, respectively. He also served as the keynote speaker at the ILO’s 112th International Conference. The timing of these diplomatic ties coincided with global instability and the Cold War. Nepal joined the ILO in 1966, during this period of geopolitical tension.

This visit, his first since taking office in March 2023, had been postponed due to a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake in November 2023. The earthquake, centered in the Jajarkot and Rukum districts of western Nepal, caused significant loss of life, injuries, and property damage. Consequently, President Paudel chose to remain in Nepal to support the affected families.

Reviving bilateral ties

High-level exchanges between Nepal and Germany and Switzerland had been absent for decades. The last significant visit from Switzerland to Nepal occurred twenty-seven years ago when President Arnold Keller paid an official visit from 9-12 Nov 1997. From Nepal’s side, late King Birendra visited Germany in 1986, which was reciprocated by President Roman Herzog in 1996. Before Herzog’s visit, President Heinric Luebke visited Nepal in July 1967, following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1958. More recently, in June 2017, President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited Switzerland to address the 106th International Labour Conference on “World of Work Summit: A Better Future for Women at Work.” Given the close and friendly ties with these European nations, a high-level visit from Nepal’s head of state was long overdue and imminent.

Solidarity for social justice

Nepal joined the ILO in 1966, and President Paudel’s participation in the 112th International Conference was a key part of his visit. The conference theme was “Global Solidarity for Social Justice.”  At the inaugural session, ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo welcomed President Paudel, highlighting his democratic credentials and his life-long struggle for democracy and social justice, which included over fourteen years of imprisonment under despotic rule. In his address, President Paudel affirmed Nepal’s commitment to the ILO’s international campaign and emphasized Nepal’s efforts in implementing international labor agreements. He noted that Nepal's constitution guarantees rights to employment, the formation of trade unions, and participation in collective bargaining.

President Paudel also addressed the challenges posed by the IT revolution, which has given rise to digital, gig, and care economies. He stressed the urgent need for safe and decent working conditions globally. Emphasizing the theme of social justice, he stated, “Without justice to the helpless and economic gains to the destitute, nations around the world can’t achieve the goal of Social Justice.” He also highlighted climate-induced socio-economic inequalities and the issue of climate refugees in Nepal, a topic also raised during COP26 in Glasgow. President Paudel’s voice on climate change and its socio-economic impacts was echoed by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in his address at the conference’s concluding session. President Paudel’s speech received a standing ovation from delegates, including government representatives, workers, employers, activists, and institutions dedicated to labor causes worldwide.

Broadening prospects of partnership

On June 12, President Paudel met with Swiss President Viola Amherd for bilateral talks in Geneva. After a brief exchange of pleasantries and introductions, President Amherd expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations. She emphasized that democracy, peace, and human rights are areas of interest for Switzerland and expressed a desire to see these areas flourish in Nepal. She also mentioned transitional justice as an area where Switzerland is interested in collaborating.

In response, President Paudel praised Swiss democracy and governance, highlighting the progressive provisions of Nepal’s constitution, particularly its inclusiveness and the 33 percent representation of women in the legislature. This aspect of Nepal's constitution impressed the Swiss side. President Paudel also discussed Nepal’s efforts toward socio-economic progress and prosperity following the establishment of a democratic system. The discussions covered mutual interests such as climate change and the need for enhanced assistance to Nepal after it graduates to a middle-income nation in 2026. President Paudel emphasized that while Nepal is least responsible for environmental degradation, it suffers significantly from climate change impacts. He suggested areas for Swiss investment, including agro-forestry, mountain tourism, and hydropower development, to aid Nepal’s socio-economic transformation. He also expressed gratitude for Switzerland’s continued support in Nepal’s socio-economic endeavors.

In Germany, President Paudel met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on June 17 at the presidential palace in Berlin. Nepal and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1958, and Germany began its development cooperation with Nepal in 1961, initially focusing on technical assistance. Over the past six decades, this relationship has expanded to include scientific collaboration, academic exchanges, technology transfer, and cooperation in governance and democracy. More recently, the ‘Ausbildung’ or Dual Vocational Training program has provided employment opportunities for Nepali youth in Germany, which was a significant topic during the bilateral talks.

During their meeting, President Steinmeier praised Nepal for its support for Ukraine at the UN and expressed concern over the recruitment of Nepalis by the Russian army. President Paudel addressed the climate crisis and its impact on resource-poor nations like Nepal. He also requested support for the release of six Nepalis held as prisoners of war by Ukraine and the lifting of the ban on Nepali airlines in European airspace.

Special gestures 

Throughout his visit, President Paudel was accorded state-level receptions, marked by significant gestures of goodwill from both his German and Swiss counterparts. In Berlin, President Steinmeier displayed a remarkable degree of humility and support, assisting President Paudel when he appeared momentarily frail during the guard of honor. This visit included a surprise one-on-one meeting between the two heads of state, during which they recalled their countries’ historic leaders, Willy Brandt and BP Koirala, who both had notable backgrounds in the struggle for social democracy.

In summary, President Paudel’s week-long official visit to Germany and Switzerland from 11-19 June 2024, significantly reinvigorated Nepal’s bilateral relations with these European nations. His participation in the ILO’s 112th International Conference reinforced Nepal’s solidarity with the ILO’s campaign for “Global Solidarity for Social Justice.” Throughout his visit, President Paudel highlighted the progressive aspects of Nepal’s constitution, including its inclusive character and the constitutional guarantee of 33 percent representation for women in the national legislature. He also solicited enhanced support from these friendly nations for Nepal’s post-2026 challenges.

President Paudel’s meaningful participation at the ILO conference and his bilateral engagements emphasized the global need for climate justice and highlighted Nepal's ongoing socio-economic challenges and aspirations. His interactions with entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the environment and SME sectors broadened the prospects for future partnerships, underscoring Nepal’s commitment to socio-economic transformation and its dedication to a socially just world. The official visits not only strengthened Nepal’s bilateral relations with Germany and Switzerland but also enhanced its international standing and reinforced its commitment to the ILO’s goals.

The author is foreign relations advisor to President Paudel

Wrapping up his visit to Switzerland and Germany, President Ram Chandra Paudel returned home on Wednesday.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal welcome him at the special room of the Tribhuvan International Airport.

A contingent of the Nepal Army also offered a guard of honor to President Paudel.

President Paudel had left for Switzerland to attend the High-level Segment of the 112th Session of the International Labor Conference in Jeneva on June 11.

After attending the conference, he left for Germany on June 15.

President Paudel’s spouse Sabita Paudel, foreign affairs expert to the President Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise and secretaries of the President’s Office and Foreign Ministry were in the visiting team.

President Ram Chandra Paudel's recent visit to Switzerland and the ongoing visit to the Federal Republic of Germany are expected to be instrumental in further consolidating and renewing Nepal's bilateral ties with these European nations.

Germany offered a huge welcome and hospitality to the President and his delegation, reflecting its goodwill towards Nepal. 

The President has been on an official visit to Germany since June 15, 2024 at the friendly invitation of his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The two held a bilateral meeting on Monday and Germany's President assured of much support to Nepal. 

The two Heads of State reportedly reviewed the bilateral relations being based on development support, trade, tourism, investment, and vocational training in a very cordial atmosphere. President Paudel encouraged Germany to support Nepal's agriculture, tourism, and water resources sectors, highlighting them as the development priorities of Nepal.

The President departed for Germany after completing his visit to Switzerland.

President Paudel also extended his invitation to his German counterpart for an official visit to Nepal. The year of Germany's unification coincided with the year of Nepal's restoration of democracy, he recalled.

The visit is expected to contribute additionally to enhancing Nepal's diplomatic relations in the entire Europe.

Political analyst Dr Chandra Dev Bhatta said the Head of State's visit to Germany after a long gap should be considered an important one. "Of late, Nepal's official relations with Europe have not been consolidated as per the expectations and this high-level visit will help address this gap."

He advised that Nepal should take measures to promote its relations with Germany which is the world's third economic power and the most powerful nation in Europe.

"Nepal's presence in Germany and its relations with it have to be sustained as it is the world's third largest economy and a powerful European nation," he added.

In connection with this visit, President Paudel held bilateral talks on June 12 with President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd in Bern before this.

Foreign affairs expert Dinesh Bhattarai also opined that the high-level visit from Nepal after a long time will help further strengthen the climate of trust between the two countries. "Germany is Nepal's close friend. Nepal has special relations with the socialist leaders and party of Germany. Willy Brandt, the former German Chancellor and the leader of the Social Democratic Party and Nepal's popular leader BP Koirala were close friends," he added.

Stating that the visit of the Head of State in itself is meaningful and significant, former ambassador Bhattarai expressed the belief that this visit would contribute to expanding the areas of cooperation in future.

According to him, Nepal can take notable benefit from Germany through export of handicraft goods and carpet, among other goods as well as through tourism promotion.

This is the first time since 1986 that a Head of State from Nepal has made an official visit to Germany.

Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, the foreign affairs expert to the President, expressed the belief that this visit taking place at the Head of State-level from Nepal after 38 years would contribute towards further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.

He stated that the President's visit to the world's third largest economy and Europe's influential country, Germany, would help in increasing investment and trade in Nepal.

Nepal and Germany established diplomatic relations on April 4, 1958. Since then, the ties between the two countries have progressed based on friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Bahadur Rai said that the visits taking place at various levels between the two countries would assist in further deepening the mutual relations.

"We are confident that this visit at the Head of State level will contribute in bringing German investment and technology into Nepal. Germany has made a good deal of study and practices on adaptation to safeguard from the effects of climate change, and there are many things that Nepal can learn from this as well," he said.

Bhishma Raj Ojha/RSS

President Ram Chandra Paudel reached Berlin on Saturday.  He paid an official visit to Germany at the cordial invitation of President of the Federal Republic of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Ambassador of Nepal to Germany Ram Kaji Khadka and senior officials from the Federal Foreign Office and the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany welcomed the President and members of his entourage upon arrival at Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Berlin.

President Paudel is accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel, Foreign Affairs Expert Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Secretary at the Office of the President Dilliram Sharma and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of the President of Nepal.

This is the first official visit from Nepal at the level of the Head of State to Germany since 1986.

Official talks are scheduled to be held between President Paudel and the President of Germany on Monday, the Embassy has said.

Diplomatic relations were established between Nepal and Germany in 1958.

President Poudel is scheduled to return home on June 19.