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Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said there was no truth in a rumor of change in the incumbent government. 

The rumor was spread by a group of people wanting the same, she mentioned.

Talking to media persons upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport today after attending United Nations program organized at Bangkok of Thailand, Foreign Minister opined, "Now, there is no possibility of a change in government. It's only a rumor."

Responding to a query of media persons regarding the Bangkok visit of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, she made it clear that President Deuba had left for Bangkok for his regular health examination, not for a political meeting.

Minister Rana further said the NC President has a telephone conversation with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday about the rumor.  

The Foreign Minister returned home today after chairing the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for the United Nations held from April 21.

Similarly, she also chaired the special meeting of Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States in this connection.

On the occasion, she on behalf of Nepal expressed the view regarding the issue of shared welfare of these nations. 

The Foreign Minister also held meetings with executive secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana as well as high representative of Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima. 

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the Asia-Pacific region faces a number of critical policy challenges.

She said this in her Acceptance Speech as the Chair of the 81st session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, today.

According to the Minister, the challenges include: the rising fiscal vulnerabilities as well as financial limitations; trade fragmentation and protectionist trends that threaten to reverse hard-won development gains; the digital divide—particularly between urban and rural communities; the inadequate social protection systems and the region remaining at the frontlines of climate-induced disasters.

Further explaining the challenges, Minister Rana said that the rising fiscal vulnerabilities as well as financial limitations are constraining the ability of governments to deliver essential services and make the necessary long-term investments in human capital and sustainable infrastructure.

"The digital divide—particularly between urban and rural communities—remains stark. Without urgent action, this divide will not only deepen inequality but also hinder inclusive growth," she said, suggesting significantly increasing investments in social protection, drawing from best practices across the globe and tailoring them to our regional context.

Stating that the Asia-Pacific region is on the frontlines of climate-induced disasters, Minister Rana said, "Our cities and communities are vulnerable to devastating floods, droughts, and extreme weather events."

Minister Rana on the occasion stated that the 81st session of ESCAP is taking place at a time of global and regional transformation and the Asia-Pacific region today confronts a number of critical policy challenges.

"Our Himalayas, which are not only the source of water but also the livelihoods and civilization, have been disproportionately affected by the impact of climate change. Building climate resilience and investing in early warning systems is not a choice, but a necessity," she said, adding that in response, many of our governments have taken important steps; but if we are to succeed in protecting the well-being of our people and planet, we must do more—and we must do it together.

Highlighting the theme of the session: “Regional cooperation for resilient and sustainable urban development in Asia and the Pacific”, she said that the urban areas are the engines of growth, innovation, and opportunity.

"But unplanned urbanization would bring many problems. We must have well-planned urban development. To ensure that we achieve resilient and sustainable urban development, we must invest in cities that are inclusive, green, and resilient; strengthen urban networks and city-to-city cooperation; plan proactively for demographic transitions; and mobilize diversified financing," Dr Rana, Chair of ESCAP 81st session, reiterated.

She emphasized on the importance of regional cooperation in these endeavors.

"No country can tackle these challenges alone. Regional cooperation is essential. It is what binds our collective efforts, and the force that multiplies the impact of national actions," she said, adding that in this context, ESCAP plays an indispensable role.

"As the regional development arm of the United Nations, ESCAP provides a common and action-oriented platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation. At a moment when uncertainties permeate the future, the work of ESCAP is vital to harness regional cooperation and collaboration to realize internationally agreed upon development goals."

Noting that the road ahead is challenging, Minister Rana said, "But with the spirit of cooperation that defines our region, and with the vital work of ESCAP, we can overcome these obstacles. Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to inclusive development, to regional cooperation, and to the values of the United Nations. Let us strengthen our collaboration for the wellbeing of our people and the future of our planet."

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Friday said that the government will take steps to upgrade Tatopani border point.

She was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the hot spring baths facility at Tatopani in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2 in Sindhupalchowk. 

The Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality constructed the hot spring baths facility targeting the visitors and pilgrims.

It is said that a total of 47 bathtubs were built in the newly-constructed facility.   

The local authorities shared that almost 1,000 tourists visit the site everyday during the months of October to April for the hot spring baths.

Saying that this border point is important for tourism promotion, Minister Rana stated that this border point should be arranged systematically since its development would also contribute to the accessibility of pilgrims' traveling to Mansarovar.

Likewise, Minister Rana consulted with the lawmakers, local government representatives and other stakeholders from Sindhupalchowk to upgrade the road networks in the district.

Meanwhile, Minister Rana inspected the Customs Office and Tatopani Border Point and directed the officials to perform their duty in a systematic manner.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has urged for the promotion of tourism in Nepal, highlighting its vast potential for the country's development and prosperity. 

She made this statement at a retreat organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Antu and Kanyam of Ilam for the heads of foreign missions in Nepal and representatives of various international organisations. "Nepal's unique culture, heritage and natural beauty are the major attractions to the world, and these invaluable assets are the basis of the country's development and prosperity."

Minister Rana praised Nepal's cultural and natural diversity, as well as its beauty, greenery, biodiversity and heritage, and mountain ranges.

 Explaining the importance of the Ilam region, she described Ilam as a land of tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and warm-hearted local people, and urged everyone to experience tea gardens, clean air, traditions, and lifestyle of the tourist destination, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She urged the world community to invest in tourism and infrastructure development in Nepal, noting that foreign investment could further unlock the country's potential.

Minister Rana urged the visiting diplomats to become “ambassadors” for the country’s tourism. “I urge you to take the inspiring stories and beauty of Ilam and Nepal as a whole to your countries and people when you return home, and do your best to promote it,” she said to the diplomats.

Also speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai requested people to experience and appreciate the unique cultural and natural beauty of Nepal. 

The event was attended by ambassadors from over 15 countries, including the UK, Japan, and Australia, and heads and representatives of various international organizations.

Co-organised by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Suryodaya Municipality of Ilam, the event aimed to showcase Nepal's warm hospitality, and its diversity, rich culture and natural beauty to the world community. 

The program was organized coinciding with Nepali New Year, 2082, seeking to highlight Ilam's significance as a tourist hub by introducing its natural and cultural beauty and locality to promote tourism in Nepal.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a bilateral meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in New Delhi today on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways for further strengthening Nepal-Ukraine relations and promoting cooperation, according to Minister Rana's Private Secretariat.

Minister Rana urged Ukraine to facilitate the release and repatriation of seven Nepali citizens held as Prisoners of War by Ukrainian soldiers.

According to her, although Nepal has no policy to allow its citizens to join the Russian army, it was later learned that Nepalis were recruited in the Russian army through human traffickers.

In response, Sybiha expressed his commitment to release the Nepali prisoners of war after completing the necessary legal process.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Rana sought the Ukrainian government's support in Nepal's candidacy for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027 to 2029.

Meanwhile, both nations signed an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has reached New Delhi, the capital city of India, on Thursday afternoon on a visit.

According to her secretariat, the foreign minister reached New Delhi following her prayers and worships at Baba Baidhyanath Dham in Jharkhand, India.

Upon her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Munu Mahawar and Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr Shanker Sharma had welcomed Minister Rana.

During her visit, Minister Rana is scheduled to participate in the Raisina Dialogue programme organized by The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi from March 17 to 19 in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Additionally, she will address separate sessions titled 'Status and Problems of Climate Change and What the South wants?' on behalf of Nepal, apart from addressing the 'Digital Public Infrastructure Conclave'.

Moreover, Minister Rana is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with her Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and counterparts from other friendly countries, her secretariat informed.

Prime Ministers, foreign ministers, leaders and policy makers from various countries across the world will participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today.

During the meeting, Minister Rana reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. She highlighted Nepal's significant progress in human rights as exemplary despite limited means and resources.

She briefed the High Commissioner that the Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed civil liberties as well as political, economic, social and cultural rights of the citizens as fundamental rights, reiterating the country's dedication to democratic values, rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

Similarly, she expressed Nepal's determination to conclude the transitional justice process soon, informing about ongoing efforts to draft a law aimed at completing the remaining work of the peace process.

Foreign Minister Rana was accompanied by Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Head of the UN Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ram Prasad Subedi, Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Rajendra Thapa, Joint Secretary at the Human Rights and International Treaty Agreements Division of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday morning.

In the meeting, Minister Rana highlighted the priorities of the Government of Nepal in the energy sector and informed that hydropower, solar power, wind power, hybrid of solar and hydro, green hydrogen development are the mainstays of Nepal’s strategies in the energy sector, the Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman said.

She added that collaboration in the energy sector between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman could bring mutual benefits to both nations.

Minister Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi stressed on the necessity to switch from fossil fuels to greener forms of energy for sustainable development and emphasized the need for collaboration with friendly nations like Nepal to achieve the goals set under the Oman Vision 2040.

He further maintained that the proposed MOU between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman in the field of energy cooperation would open up new vistas of opportunities.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with Salim bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mahroqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday afternoon at the latter’s office where matters pertaining to bilateral relations between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman were discussed, stated a press release issued by the Embassy on February 19.

The Minister elaborated on the potential of tourism in Nepal and emphasized on joint collaboration in the field of adventure tourism apart from other sectors of tourism.

The Heritage and Tourism Minister of the Sultanate of Oman welcomed the Nepali delegation and expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations existing between the two countries.

He added that the MOU in the field of Tourism cooperation will augment opportunities for enhanced cooperation for businesses of both the countries.

Both the Ministers signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of Tourism Cooperation” on behalf of their respective governments.

Foreign Minister and the Nepali delegation arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on February 14 to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Conference and hold bilateral meetings.

During her stay in Oman, she held thirteen bilateral meetings, concluded two MOUs, held a virtual meeting with Nepali Ambassadors and diplomats in GCC countries, and interacted with the representatives of the Oman-based Nepali Community, the press release noted.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said the Ministry is constantly following up on the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and the developments thereafter.

Foreign Minister Rana has made it clear through social media X today that necessary initiatives are being taken to understand the condition of Nepali students in the hostels of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India and to provide a safe environment for Nepali students in the college.

"Two senior officials of Nepal Police from the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi have reached the university this morning. I spoke to them on the phone and directed them to coordinate with the Indian security personnel for necessary investigation into the incident and with the university administration for necessary assistance to the Nepali students and their safe stay in the hostel. The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi is already taking necessary initiatives in this regard," she said.

Foreign Minister Rana has made it clear that following the diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately after getting the information, the college has appealed to the students to return to the hostel while the university has also informed through a public notice that action has been taken against the 'staff' who abused Nepali students.

In the context of this development, Foreign Minister Rana said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi are working in close coordination with the university administration and the Indian security officials.

Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba.

The Foreign Minister and Japan's Minister of State who are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the '8th Indian Ocean Conference' held the bilateral meeting today.

 During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual interests. On the occasion, the Minister recognized Japan as one of the major development partners, contributing to Nepal's development in the socio-economic sectors.

The two also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026. Matters relating to the likely exchange of high-level visits between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

On the occasion, the Minister expected the necessary support from the Government of Japan in the aftermath of the endorsement of working procedure regarding Nepal-Japan last year's agreement to hire skilled workforce from Nepal for the upcoming five years.

The Minister also utilized the opportunity to call on the Government of Japan to assist Nepal in the reconstruction of the BP Highway that was significantly damaged by the September (2023) rains.

Foreign Minister Rana urged Japan for its cooperation to connect Japan with the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport with direct flights.

The extension of the direct flight between Nepal and Japan (Narita-Kathmandu) to Lumbini will be beneficial for Japanese citizens aspiring to visit Lumbini, enhancing cultural ties between Nepal and Japan. In response, the Japanese Minister said he would respond to the call after a feasibility evaluation.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues of Nepal-UAE relations along with labour, tourism and economic development and the needed cooperation for climate change risk mitigation.

On the occasion, Minister Rana thanked the government of UAE for providing employment to Nepal's labour force, Minister Rana's personal secretariat said.

Likewise, the State Minister of the UAE appreciated the immense contribution of Nepalis in socio-economic development of the UAE Likewise, they held talks on deepening cooperation on tourism, economic development and trade as well as the future possibilities for investments.

Minister Rana's secretariat shared that Minister Rana proposed to State Minister Sayegh to begin direct flights from Dubai to Pokhara International Airport.

In response, the state minister has promised to begin technical study and advance the plans for direct flights.

Likewise, she extended an invitation to the UAE for the participation in the Sagarmatha Sambaad to be held in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May by stating that the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ is to discuss pressing issues of regional and global importance including the climate change.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests and mutual benefits, as well as scholarships for Nepali students and skilled technical manpower in Qatar.

On the occasion, Minister Rana urged Minister Muraikhi to help in the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is under the control of the Hamas group.

Foreign Minister Rans praised the role played by the Qatari government in brokering a ceasefire and peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas, and called for a special initiative for the release of Bipin, who is under the control of Hamas.

Earlier, Minister Rana had made the same request in a phone call with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

Khulaifi is the chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas.

The Nepal government has been making diplomatic efforts for Bipin's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been urging for Bipin's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Bipin was abducted by the Hamas group in an attack on Israeli soil in October 2023. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the construction of the six-lane Chisapani-Gaddachauki road section of the East-West Mahendra Highway will start soon.

Inaugurating the newly constructed administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality in Kailali today, Minister Rana said that a survey is being conducted for the construction of six lanes from Chisapani in Kailali to Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur in view of the pressure of vehicles.

"Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah is taking the initiative to make the highway six-lane. The highway is currently being surveyed. Work on the construction of the six-lane road will begin soon," Minister Rana said.

The Minister expressed her confidence that the administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality would facilitate the residents of the city to avail integrated services.

Foreign Minister Rana further argued that the government is serious about the overall development of the agricultural sector in the region, adding that she is excited to see the development construction at the local level.

Minister Rana today inaugurated the newly constructed party office of Nepali Congress Kailali Region No. 2 and Lamkichuha Municipal Committee as well. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held telephonic conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Rana held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to take initiative for Joshi's release.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the topic of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.

Hamas has started releasing people under its captivity after the ceasefire between it and the Israeli government.

The government has continued with the diplomatic initiatives for the safe release of Joshi from Hamas' confinement.

In this connection, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Deuba had held telephonic talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister as well last week, urging for support for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba has been requesting Qatar and Egypt that had been mediating with Hamas for peace talks ever since efforts were made for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas for taking special initiative for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister some weeks back on this topic. Similarly, Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Prof Dr Dhana Prasad Pandit, also in telephonic conversation with the Israeli President some days back, had urged for Joshi's release.

The government has continued the diplomatic initiatives for securing Joshi's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been making diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Foreign Minister Arjun Rana Deuba today held a telephonic conversation with her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, requesting the latter for an initiation to free Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi who has been held by Hamas in Gaza for 15 months.

Following a ceasefire deal between the government of Israel and Hamas, the Hamas has started freeing hostages beginning Sunday.

The Foreign Minister urged Egypt, which is facilitating the ceasefire negotiations, to prioritize Joshi’s release in the first phase.

The Minister who is presently in Bangkok for her medical checkup made the call from there.

In response, the Egyptian Minister assured that he would direct Egypt’s facilitators to work toward Joshi’s release.

A few days ago, Rana also spoke with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, requesting their intervention in setting the Nepali hostage free in the initial phase.

Khulaifi plays a key role in the Israel-Hamas peace talks.

The Nepali government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts since last year, seeking Bipin’s release.

The Foreign Minister has been appealing through various international and regional forums, as well as the United Nations, to facilitate for ensuring Bipin's release.

Kathmandu, Jan 3: Minster for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, paid tributes to former US President and Nobel Laureate, Jimmy Carter, by expressing grief over his demise.

Reaching the US Embassy in Kathmandu today, Foreign Minister Rana signed the Book of Condolence opened in memory of former President Carter.

She extended heartfelt condolence on the behalf of the government, the people of Nepal and her own on the passing of Carter.

The Foreign Minister said Carter was a true friend and well-wisher of Nepal as well as exemplary figure in philanthropy, peace and democracy.

"Carter's contributions were widely admired for their lasting impact on upholding human rights and democratic values. His legacy of peace, benevolence will forever be cherished and will continue to serve as an inspiration to the people around the world", writes Minister Rana.