Foreign Minister Rana meets DPMs of Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba had a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, on the sidelines of the Third ACD Summit in Doha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Rana held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Summit. The Ministry stated that discussions were focused on various aspects of Nepal-Myanmar relations.

Addressing the Third ACD Summit in Doha on Thursday, Minister Rana stated that Nepal strongly values multilateralism and regional cooperation as pillars of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

 

UAE Minister of State calls on Foreign Minister Rana

Minister of State for Foreign Trade of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on the sidelines of Third Summit of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha on Wednesday.

Discussions were focused on cordial and cooperative Nepal-UAE relations and cooperation in various areas including trade, tourism, investment, air connectivity and foreign employment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Minister Rana urges G20 nations to increase support for LDCs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the G20 member countries to increase financial support for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to address the damaging impacts of climate change.

Reflecting on the problems faced by LDCs due to climate change, Minister Rana said, "These countries have suffered from multi-faceted crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and geopolitical tensions. As a result, these countries have been pushed further into extreme poverty in the last two decades."

The Minister for Foreign Affairs was addressing the G20 Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in New York on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Minister Rana delivered these remarks on behalf of the Group of Least-Developed Countries, of which Nepal is the current chair.

The minister urged the G20 to take a leading role in promoting inclusive growth, accelerating the 2030 Agenda, enhancing global health security, leading climate action, driving digital transformation, bridging digital divides, fostering multilateral cooperation, and addressing the challenges the world is facing.

She also lauded Brazil's initiatives in hosting this meeting as the chair of the G20 with a focus on social inclusion, poverty alleviation and sustainable development while welcoming its proposal to launch a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

Minister Rana urged the establishment of a formal mechanism for LDC representation in G20 meetings and working groups, including regular invitations for the LDC Chair to G20 Summits, which she said provides a vital platform for allowing the perspectives of LDCs to shape G20 deliberations and outcomes.

Additionally, she requested the establishment of a G20-led fund to support climate adaptation and resilience-building in LDCs, with a focus on grant-based financing and capacity building for project development and implementation.

She also called on G20 members to provide duty-free and quota-free market access for all LDC products, which she believed would help LDCs better integrate into global value chains and boost export revenues. She stressed the urgent need for G20 countries to recognize that LDCs have been severely hit by the recent increase in extreme poverty, calling for collective efforts to support these countries.

 

Foreign Minister Rana holds meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General Khare

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who arrived in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations in the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare.

In the meeting held on Monday, various aspects of the UN-Nepal relations and cooperation were discussed, the New York-based Nepali Mission said. 

The Department has been working in the field of management of security personnel of the UN missions deployed for peacekeeping.

According to the Mission, the meeting discussed the continuation of cooperation between Nepal and the UN and its contribution to the field of peace and security.

 

Foreign Minister Rana holds bilateral meetings with her counterparts at UNGA

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from various countries in New York on Sunday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rana is in New York in the Nepali delegation participating in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to the Foreign Minister's private secretariat, during the meeting with her Indonesian counterpart Retno L.P. Marsudi, two key agreements--the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism and the Visa Exemption Agreement for diplomatic and official/service passport holders were signed by Minister Rana on behalf of Nepal, and Marsudi on behalf of Indonesia. The agreements aim to further strengthen bilateral ties, and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting discussed a range of issues, including mutual bilateral interests between the two countries, as well as the expansion of future relations, development partnership, and cooperation to reduce the impact of climate change. Likewise, the leaders also discussed the mutual cooperation and investment between the two countries in tourism promotion.

Minister Rana expressed the hope that the newly signed agreements would play an important role in further expanding the mutual relations between the two countries.

Similarly, Minister Rana had a talk with her Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro. The two ministers discussed issues, including mutual relations and bilateral interests as well as potential future cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions between the two ministers also touched on identifying ways for cooperation to tackle the impacts of climate change, which the two landlocked countries are struggling with. Additionally, Dr Rana held talks with Finland's Minister of Foreign Trade & Development, Ville Tavio.

During the meeting, the two leaders acknowledged over 50 years of strong and friendly relations and cooperation between Nepal and Finland.

On the occasion, Minister Rana appreciated Finland's continued support in Nepal's economic and social sectors. They also discussed mutual interests, future cooperation and potential partnership areas.

Foreign Minister Rana holds meeting with Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with the Chair and Members of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group in Ottawa on Wednesday.

The Chair of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of Parliament Sonia Sidhu welcomed Minister Deuba at the Parliament Hill and expressed happiness over the first visit of a Nepali Foreign Minister to Canada.

The two sides reviewed the friendly relations between the Parliaments of Nepal and Canada and stressed the need to promote regular exchanges, experiences sharing between the Members of Parliament of the two countries, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Deuba stated that Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group stands as an important platform for sharing of experiences and learning from each other’s democratic processes.

Foreign Minister Deuba thanked the Canadian Members of Parliament and Senators for their service to the promotion of Nepal-Canada relations and also informed about the formation of a Nepal-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Federal Parliament of Nepal.

She expressed confidence that the two Parliaments will be able to promote greater exchanges and collaborations through these important mechanisms.

Likewise, Chair of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group, Sonia Sidhu, highlighted the potential areas of cooperation between the parliamentarians of Canada and Nepal and enriched the friendly relations. She also appreciated the progress Nepal has made in gender equality and empowerment of women and girls with greater representation of Nepali women in the parliament and local government as well as enhanced contribution of them in public life, the Nepal Embassy said by issuing a press release.

Foreign Minister Deuba was accompanied by Nepal's Ambassador to Canada Bharat Raj Paudyal and other officials during the meeting.

 

Arzu’s rise in NC and national politics

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit to India has sparked significant discussion within Nepal’s political circles, particularly within her party, the Nepali Congress (NC). There are murmurs within the NC that this meeting could signal India’s endorsement of Arzu as a future leader of the party and potentially as a future prime minister of Nepal. Over the past few years, Arzu’s husband and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has elevated her position within both the party and national politics.

Currently, she serves as a Central Working Committee member of the NC and a member of the House of Representatives. She played a crucial role in forming an alliance with the CPN-UML to establish the government, which led to her holding the powerful Foreign Ministry portfolio in the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

While she may not run for party president in the 2026 general convention, Deuba seems intent on securing her a significant position within the party. Deuba, who has already served as party president twice, is ineligible to run for a third term due to the party’s statute. Senior leaders such as Purna Bahadur Khadka, Gagan Kumar Thapa, and Shekhar Koirala are currently vying for the party presidency. It remains unclear who will succeed Deuba or emerge as the next leader from his faction. According to NC leaders, Deuba might retire after assuming the Prime Minister’s office again, as per an agreement with Oli, who is expected to hand over the premiership to Deuba in two years.

Some NC leaders speculate that Deuba may propose his spouse, Arzu, for the prime ministerial position due to his advanced age—he is already 80. Others, however, doubt that Arzu will become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it is evident that Deuba is making every effort to elevate his spouse within the party. At nearly 60 years old, Arzu could remain active in party politics for at least the next two decades.

Deuba’s succession plan has been in motion for some time. He pushed for Arzu’s appointment as chairperson of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives last year, followed by her appointment as Foreign Minister a few months ago. These moves have significantly bolstered Arzu’s standing both within the NC and on the international stage. There was little opposition within the party to these appointments. Even Deuba’s rivals, Gagan Thapa and Shekhar Koirala, did not object. NC insiders believe that Arzu is likely to secure a prominent position at the party’s upcoming general convention, positioning her as Deuba’s political heir.

Arzu is not new to NC politics. Her political journey began in earnest after her marriage to Deuba in 1993, despite her mother, Pratibha Rana, being a leader in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Arzu became actively involved in politics after Deuba formed the breakaway faction, Nepali Congress (Democratic), in 2002. Although she has made significant strides within the party, her progress has been closely tied to her husband’s influence. To counter criticisms that Deuba was using his power to elevate her, Arzu contested an election from Kailali district but was defeated. In the 2022 election, she was elected under the proportional representation (PR) quota and is reportedly preparing to contest future elections from Kailali. If Deuba does not run in future elections, Arzu might even contest from Dadeldhura, where Deuba has won for the past three decades.

Arzu’s recent visit to India was a diplomatic success, earning her respect and recognition that few of her predecessors had achieved. Her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, in particular, was seen as a significant accomplishment, enhancing her stature within Nepal's political landscape. This success, coupled with her increased visibility within the party, suggests that she is being groomed for a larger role.

There are clear signs within the NC that Deuba is positioning Arzu for future leadership. In a recent Central Committee meeting, NC leader Shashank Koirala noted how women seem to navigate political challenges more easily than men. Arzu’s growing acceptance within the party indicates that Deuba’s plan is progressing. Despite being relatively new to active politics and having faced opposition, she now enjoys substantial support. Her rank as the seventh in the cabinet hierarchy, ahead of several key figures, reflects the trust and confidence the party leadership has in her abilities.

However, the path to leadership will not be without challenges. Several factions within the NC, led by figures like Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh and senior leaders such as Shekhar Koirala, Bimalendra Nidhi, and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, may resist Deuba’s efforts to elevate Arzu. Influential general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma also command considerable support within the party. While Deuba’s close allies may not oppose Arzu’s rise, there is no guarantee that the rest of the party will follow suit, which could deepen existing divisions. With leaders like Dr Koirala and General Secretary Thapa already positioning themselves for party leadership, Arzu’s ascent is unlikely to be smooth.

Arzu’s success would mark a significant milestone for female leadership in Nepal, but it could also be perceived as a continuation of dynastic politics within the NC. Whether Arzu can secure party leadership will depend on her ability to navigate the party's complex dynamics, garner broad support, and prove that she can lead independently of her husband’s legacy. 

While her recent achievements suggest she is a formidable contender, it remains to be seen whether she can overcome the challenges ahead. Notably, Prime Minister Oli’s remark about wanting to see a female Prime Minister may indicate that even the CPN-UML chairman is aware of Deuba’s plans for a leadership transition.

Foreign Minister Rana calls on Oman to operate Nepal’s international airports in Pokhara, Bhairahawa

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her visiting Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi held a bilateral meeting on Tuesday.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on matters relating to Nepal-Oman bilateral interests, common concerns and the strengthening of bilateral relations, according to the Ministry.

They touched on issues relating to air connectivity, labor issues, investment, tourism, diplomatic exchanges, all sorts of bilateral cooperation and collaboration and so on. 

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Nepal's Ambassador for Oman, Dornath Aryal and the Omani officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present in the meeting.

Minister Rana called on Oman to operate Nepal's international airports based in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, reminding of the closure of the flights at Bhairahawa following a brief operation. She said the government has decided to ensure more facilities for international airlines providing services in Nepal. In response, her counterpart said the Government of Oman will consider the matter.

Likewise, Nepal raised the topics of the rights and welfare of Nepali workers and additional labor destinations. The Nepali side raised this topic, stating that Oman could become a promising labor destination for Nepali workers as Oman has better labor laws and other environments.  

The Omani side stated that the Nepali workers were honest and conscientious and so Oman will hire additional Nepali workers based on requirement.

An agreement has been reached according to which the two countries will move ahead signing a labor agreement on this topic.

Foreign Minister Rana mentioned about the immense possibilities of tourism in Nepal due to its natural beauty, the Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters high including the Sagarmatha and the various heritage sites enlisted in the list of World Heritage Sites.

She urged the Omani investors to invest in Nepal in various sectors including in tourism. "There are many areas for possible investment in Nepal. Therefore, I urge, through the Foreign Minister, the Government of Oman and the investors there to invest in Nepal," she added.

Talking briefly to journalists after the bilateral meeting with the Omani Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Rana said talks were held on further deepening the relations between Nepal and Oman. She informed that preparations have been made on the two countries reaching agreement soon on labor, health, tourism and foreign affairs.

Minister Dr Rana also said that Oman was willing to invest in the priority sectors in tourism in Nepal.

According to her, they reviewed overall aspects of Nepal-Oman relations including matters relating to labor and employment, tourism, trade, air connectivity, investment, among others.

The week that was

This week, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba made an official visit to India at the invitation of Indian Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar. While her discussions with Jaishankar focused on bilateral issues, her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi garnered the most attention. It is rare for Nepali foreign ministers to meet Modi during their visits to New Delhi, and those who do often gain significant political traction back home.

In Nepal, Rana’s meeting with Modi has sparked various interpretations. Some view it as a sign of the high priority India places on its relationship with Nepal. Others suggest that recent developments in Bangladesh may have prompted New Delhi to engage more closely with its neighbors. CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal quickly added to the speculation, claiming that Rana’s meeting with Modi might have unsettled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Dahal hinted that India’s treatment of Rana as an equal to the prime minister might have been a calculated move, especially as Oli awaits an invitation to visit New Delhi. 

There is now speculation about a potential visit by Modi to Nepal, which would reverse the traditional pattern of Nepali prime ministers visiting India first. People are curious whether India has formally invited Oli to India.

Another important news this week concerned the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). It has been a year since MCC came into effect in Nepal. This week, the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) shared an update on the progress made over the past year. MCA-Nepal announced that it has completed the procurement for some contracts and made significant strides in preparing sites for contractors. However, doubts remain about whether the two MCC projects—a transmission line and a road upgrade—will be completed within the five-year timeline, given that four years now remain. Although political opposition to the MCC has waned, frequent changes in government and bureaucratic reshuffling continue to pose challenges. The successful implementation of the MCC is a priority for the US, particularly given opposition from communist parties and China.

 

Talking about the growing American interest in Nepal, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R Verma visited Nepal this week. During his visit, he met with top political leaders and made significant announcements, including US support for the Nepali Army. Foreign Minister Rana, via a post on X, announced that the US would provide Nepal with two Skytrucks and two additional Bell helicopters to support disaster management efforts.

There was also a welcoming development for young content creators and small business owners this week, as the government made an announcement to lift the ban on TikTok, which was imposed a year ago. Following directives from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the Ministry of Communications has begun preparations for the ban’s removal. Last year, the government, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, banned TikTok citing concerns about social cohesion. After the ban, TikTok representatives lobbied intensively, promising to remove objectionable content. They argued that the government banned the app without providing any specific reasons, noting that Nepal is one of TikTok’s largest markets in South Asia. At the time, the ban had broad political support despite concerns about free speech.

Now onto the ongoing internal conflict inside CPN (Maoist Center). It appears that Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leader Janardhan Sharma have reconciled following a tense exchange at the party meeting. Sharma is the first leader since Mohan Baidya and Baburam Bhattarai (2006-2015) to openly challenge Dahal’s leadership. He made two strong points: Dahal should pass the party leadership to younger leaders, and Dahal used state agencies to punish Sharma and others when in power. Currently, three leaders—Sharma, Barsha Man Pun, and Narayan Kaji Shrestha—are vying to succeed Dahal as party chair. However, Dahal is reluctant to relinquish power and is instead working to strengthen the party by forming alliances with fringe Maoist factions and the CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal. Dahal is reportedly trying to convince Nepal to support party unification by offering him the position of prime minister.

This week, the federal parliament passed a bill to amend some controversial clauses in the transitional justice Act. While major political parties support the bill, some human rights organizations and conflict victims have criticized it, arguing that it does not meet international standards. This opposition could undermine the effectiveness of the two transitional justice bodies, as has happened in the past. On a positive note, most major countries, except India, have welcomed the passage of the bill, which will be crucial for the success of transitional justice mechanisms. Attention is now focused on upcoming appointments to the transitional justice bodies.

Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Bidya Bhattarai revealed this week that officials at the Tribhuvan University (TU) have been receiving threats. In a social media post, she requested that the Ministry of Home Affairs provide security for the officials and address the growing problem of hooliganism in educational institutions. She emphasized that turning educational institutions into arenas for political conflict is a troubling trend that political parties must take seriously.

In another story this week, the Ministry of Health and Population raised concerns about the risk of monkeypox infection, which is spreading rapidly in Asia. Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki warned that with the infection spreading in neighboring India, Nepal is also vulnerable. It’s worth noting that a 60-year-old foreign woman was diagnosed with the virus in Nepal last year.

Also this week, the news about the devastating flood caused by a glacial lake outburst at a village in the Everest region raised alarms, particularly among climate scientists and environmentalists. Although no casualties were reported in the incident, the scale of the flood was huge. The flood, which tore through the village of Thame, underscores the growing risk posed by glacial lake outbursts in Nepal. According to a 2020 study by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), there are around 2,070 glacial lakes in Nepal, many of which are at risk of bursting. Government authorities need to address this issue urgently.

That’s all for this week. Have a great weekend!

Visit fostered goodwill between Nepal and India: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said that her India visit had significantly contributed to promoting goodwill between Nepal and India.

Talking to journalists upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Thursday, Minister Rana said the visit has added up to further strengthen friendly, cooperative, multidimensional and close ties on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

Minister Rana said that the visit has paved ways to promote cooperation and assistance for mutual benefits through the means of bilateral mechanisms and to expand cooperation at the higher level and in different layers in the coming days.  

She said that her visit took place as per the program of exchange of the high-level visits.  

On the occasion, Minister Rana shared that she held talks with the Indian Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister in an amicable manner, and the meetings focused on the issues of Nepal's welfare and interests as well as the diverse area of mutual interests.

Saying that she held a courtesy call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, Minister Dr Rana stated that views to expand ongoing cooperation and strengthen existing friendship between Nepal and India were conferred.

According to her, she handed over an invitation letter to Indian Prime Minister Modi on behalf of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for a state visit to Nepal.

This is the first visit of Rana after she assumed the responsibility as the Foreign Minister.

 

Foreign Minister Rana meets her Indian counterpart Jaishankar

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Monday.

Rana left for India on a five-day official visit at the cordial invitation of her Indian counterpart Jaishankar.

According to a source at the Foreign Ministry, they discussed various aspects of Nepal-India relations, mutual interests and cooperation.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar welcomed Rana to India and posted a picture on social media.

It has been believed that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

A source said that Foreign Minister Rana is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening.

This is Rana’s first foreign visit after being appointed as the foreign minister.

On Monday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Nepal after the formation of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led government.

During his stay in Nepal, he paid courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Oli, ministers, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others.

 

 

SAARC Secretary General calls on Foreign Minister Rana

Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Md. Golam Sarwar called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba at the latter’s office in Singh Durbar today.

During the meeting, they discussed the current state of regional cooperation in SAARC and revitalizing this forum in the shared interests of Member States, the Ministry stated.

On the occasion the SAARC Secretary General congratulated Rana on the assumption of important responsibility as the Foreign Minister and the Chair of the SAARC Council of Ministers.

The two dignitaries discussed ongoing initiatives in SAARC, forward movement, and upcoming meetings, according to the SAARC Secretariat.

Indian Foreign Secretary Misri pays courtesy call on Foreign Minister Rana

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is on a two-day official visit to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar on Monday.

Various aspects of bilateral relations as well as economic and development assistance and projects among others were discussed in the meeting.

On the occasion, Minister Rana through visiting Foreign Secretary Misri raised the issue of the availability of more air routes to Nepal to increase Nepal-India 'air connectivity' with India.

She also urged India to take initiatives to establish a laboratory for testing the quality of vegetables and fruits imported through the border areas of Nepal and India.

Minister Rana also raised the issue of taking the remaining works of Pancheshwor Project ahead in the meeting.

Similarly, she through Foreign Secretary Misri also urged India to provide necessary help to release water of  Tanakpur Dam into the canal and to control and reduce the risk of floods in Bandganga, Khando and Rapti rivers.

Minister Rana also raised the issue of inaugurating the bridge of Darchula.

Sher also discussed the issues of giving continuity to the dialogue on trade and transportation.

The minister thanked the India government for its support in rescuing and providing relief to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot.

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal on Sunday.

 

German envoy pays courtesy call on Foreign Minister Rana

German Ambassador to Nepal Thomas Prinz paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on Tuesday.

During the meeting, matters related to various aspects of Nepal-Germany relations along with mutual interests and reciprocal cooperation were discussed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

 

Foreign Minister Rana directs Embassy to coordinate for security of students in Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has directed the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka to actively engage in the protection of Nepali students in Bangladesh amid the ongoing unrest there.

Taking stock of the current situation of Bangladesh with the Embassy through telephone, Minister Rana issued a directive to actively participate in the protection of the Nepali students.

Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari informed that all the Nepalis including students in Bangladesh are safe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Saying that although most of the students have already returned home, Minister Rana directed the Embassy to keep in touch with the Nepali people who are still there and take necessary initiatives for the protection.

The Dhaka-based Nepali Embassy has issued a notice on Monday urging all the Nepali to stay safe and exercise caution.

The notice stated that most of the students have returned home from Bangladesh and currently there are 400 students who are in safe hands.  

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned following weeks of protests over job quota reforms, Bangladesh High Commission officials told Reuters in Delhi.

 

 

 

Pakistani envoy calls on Foreign Minister Rana

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on Monday.

During the meeting, various matters relating to Nepal-Pakistan relations and cooperation were discussed. 

Nepal and Pakistan have had an excellent relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960.

There is a close collaboration in the areas of economic collaboration, trade and investment, tourism and in the areas of education and culture.