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King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath on Friday.  He paid homage and offered worship there. Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath are World Heritage Sites.

The Bhutanese king arrived in Kathmandu this morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

US Special Envoy for Youth Affairs Abby Finkenauer arrived in Nepal on Thursday.

According to the American Embassy in Kathmandu, Special Envoy Finkenauer is scheduled to meet the Nepali youth leaders during her visit. 

The envoy will participate in a youth-focused program to promote democracy and civic engagement in different sectors.

Her main role is to augment the voice of the youth and establish meaningful relationships with them.

The Embassy further said Finkenauer's visit would help strengthen international relations and help youths in building a democratic future and a prosperous Nepal.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi is arriving in Nepal on Monday for an official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit of Oman's Foreign Minister by issuing a press release today.

It has been learnt that the two foreign ministers are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting and discuss matters on further strengthening Nepal-Oman relations.

During the visit, Oman's Foreign Minister would pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The Foreign Minister of Oman will leave Kathmandu on 27 August, the Ministry stated.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday for a two-day official visit. His arrival represents a pivotal moment for both India and Nepal, offering a chance to align their strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding.

Misri, a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished reputation as a China specialist, was appointed Foreign Secretary last month. In line with tradition, his inaugural diplomatic mission took him to neighboring countries, with Nepal being a significant stop. 

This visit follows the recent establishment of a new government in Nepal, led by CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, in coalition with the Nepali Congress. Soon after his arrival in Kathmandu, Misri engaged in comprehensive consultations with Nepali leaders, focusing on political and developmental issues of shared concern.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Oli, Misri reaffirmed the enduring, multifaceted relationship between India and Nepal, emphasizing the need to invigorate various sectors of bilateral cooperation. Discussions with President Ram Chandra Poudel similarly centered on strengthening ties across all domains, with a particular emphasis on enhanced collaboration in addressing climate change—a critical issue for both nations. Misri held talks with top leaders of the major parties. 

Misri also inaugurated the new building of the Nepal Bhasha Parishad in Kathmandu, constructed under India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant.

Over recent years, India-Nepal relations have seen notable advancements, particularly in connectivity projects, power trade, and other areas of cooperation. However, lingering distrust persists, stemming from the strained ties during Oli’s previous tenure in 2016 and the  map dispute in 2020. Despite these challenges, there has been a perceptible improvement in trust between the two nations, with India gradually overcoming perceptions of favoritism toward the Nepali Congress-Maoist coalition.

Oli’s return to power, his third in a decade, comes at a time of cautious optimism. His first term in 2015 was marked by the Indian economic blockade, and his second, in 2018, by a strong mandate following the formation of the Nepal Communist Party.  In Oli’s latest tenure, both India and Nepal appear to be in a phase of careful observation and strategic recalibration. Analysts say that Misri’s visit can be instrumental in allowing both sides to communicate their concerns and interests openly. This visit is expected to be followed by a visit from Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, aimed at laying the groundwork for Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit to India. 

Given the complexities in India’s neighborhood, particularly concerning the unfolding situation in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, New Delhi is expected to approach its relations with Kathmandu with heightened caution and diplomacy. On contentious issues such as the border map dispute, both sides have agreed to resolve them through diplomatic channels. With the two largest parties, Congress and UML, holding a significant majority in Parliament, observers say that New Delhi will find it easier to collaborate with the new government. This coalition, likely to remain stable for the next three years, provides a conducive environment for advancing bilateral relations. 

As the Oli-led government faces the daunting task of economic recovery, it is seeking increased assistance and investment from the international community, including India. Enhanced economic partnership, therefore, remains a mutual priority for both Kathmandu and New Delhi.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit to Nepal on Sunday.

This is the first time that Misri paid an official visit to Nepal after assuming the charge of Foreign Secretary on July 15.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal welcomed him at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two foreign secretaries will discuss various matters on further strengthening Nepal-India relations and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Foreign Secretary of India is also scheduled to call on the high lev dignitaries of Nepal.

Foreign Secretary's visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and reflects the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal under its Neighborhood First policy, says India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

India and Nepal share an age-old civilizational, cultural and people-to-people connect, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries has further strengthened in recent years with continued momentum in high level exchanges and major infrastructure and connectivity projects in Nepal having been completed and new ones undertaken with Government of India’s assistance. This visit of Foreign Secretary will be an opportunity to further advance our bilateral ties, said India in a press statement.

The Foreign Secretary of India is scheduled to leave Kathmandu on August 12.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is arriving in Nepal next week.

This is the first high-level visit from India after the formation of the CPN-UML-Nepali Congress coalition government.

According to a source at the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Secretary Misri is scheduled to come to Nepal next week.

During his stay in Nepal, he will pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba.

Foreign Secretary Misri is also scheduled to meet his Nepali counterpart Sewa Lamsal and high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government officials of Nepal and India have not said anything about Misri’s Nepal visit.

He was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India on June 28.

Chinese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong is arriving on a three-day official visit to Kathmandu today.

According to the Foreign Ministry, he will attend the 16th meeting of the Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism, which is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

It has been said that Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal will lead the Nepali delegation at the consultation mechanism meeting.

During the visit, overall areas of bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and China will be discussed, the ministry said.

Similarly, Sun is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during his visit.

The Sun-led delegation will leave for China on Wednesday.

At the cordial invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa is arriving here today on an official visit to Nepal.

During the visit, Minister Kamikawa is scheduled to meet with President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

She will meet and hold bilateral talks on various matters of mutual interest and concern with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is Kamikawa's first visit to Nepal since being appointed as the foreign minister of Japan.

Japan remains as one of the leading countries that provide continuous support to help with the development endeavors of Nepal.

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan were established on September 1, 1956.

Nine years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, Nepal established its embassy in Tokyo in 1965. Three years later, Japan opened an embassy in Nepal.

Japan has been supporting Nepal in the fields of education, health, communication, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, civil aviation and other sectors. "There is no such sector of Nepal, where the Japanese support has not reached. Japan is helping Nepal with a focus on its economic and social development," says Nepali Ambassador to Japan Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi.

This high-level visit by the foreign minister of Japan is expected to make a significant contribution to strengthening the close and friendly relationship subsisting between the two countries.

Following the visit, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan will depart from Kathmandu today itself.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is arriving in Nepal for a two-day official visit on Sunday.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said that the Japanese foreign minister is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Sharma said that the bilateral talks will be held between Nepal and Japan during her visit.

A talks team has been formed under the headship of Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha for the same.

Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is arriving in Nepal later this afternoon on a two-day state visit at the cordial invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the Qatari Emir will hold a meeting with President Paudel at his office, Sheetal Niwas. The President is scheduled to host a state banquet in honor of the Emir.

Similarly, the distinguished guest from Qatar will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, the Foreign Ministry added.

The Qatari Emir is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu on April 24.

Former ministers and experts on foreign affairs have advised the government to give priority to utilizing the visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to Nepal, to secure maximum benefits.  The Emir from Qatar will be paying a two-day state visit to Nepal beginning on April 23, tomorrow.

They believed that Nepal could learn ways from Qatar, a country with a small geography and size, to explore ways for achieving prosperity in a short period in the presence of a far-sighted leadership with maximum utilization of available resources.

Former minister Surendra Kumar Karki praised the role of Qatar in contributing to the international peace establishment significantly, though the country is territorially smaller.

He said that Qatar is exploring its facilitating and decisive roles in establishing regional peace, strengthening international relations and managing significant political tension.

Nepal could learn many things from the experiences of Qatar in efforts to achieve peace when it is pursuing the establishment of a durable peace after the conflict by concluding the peace process, he added.

Besides, Qatar serves as one of the major labor destinations for Nepali migrant workers. Nepal receives a large chunk of remittance from Qatar. The high-level visit taking place from Qatar will be utilized as a moment for promoting the rights of Nepali workers in Qatar and their dignity with the availability of decent job opportunities for them.

The former Minister and Maoist Center leader suggested that it would be beneficial for Nepal if the visit could be utilized as an opportunity to bring about Qatar's investment in the processing of drinking water in the Himalayan regions and the production of organic agricultural products.

CPN-UML leader and expert on foreign affairs, Dr Rajan Bhattarai commended the path of prosperity that Qatar has found amidst severe climate adversity and limited human resources.  Qatar is advancing itself through a multi-dimensional approach, it is exploring its leading role in the global forum and a significant role in dispute management in the Middle Eastern nations, according to Bhattarai.

Stating that Qatar is seeking to establish itself as a 'world champion' in the resolution of the unrest in the Middle East including in Hamas and Israel, he said Qatar is being developed as an international transit hub in the course of its efforts to expand air connectivity in the global forum.

From the diplomatic perspective, the Qatari Emir's upcoming visit to Nepal stands as a symbol and an example that Nepal is moving on a positive path. "Qatar is an economically prosperous country in the Middle East. Over 400,000 Nepali migrant workers are working in Qatar at present. Nepali migrant workers have shed blood and sweat for the development and prosperity of Qatar. Against this backdrop, the visit of Qatari Emir to Nepal is a matter of great importance and an opportunity,' he observed.

Stating that Nepal could also benefit from Qatar's advancement for the economic development and prosperity, he emphasized creating an enabling environment in Nepal for job creations for the youths rather than sending labor forces offshore.

Dr Bhattarai further asserted, "There's a high prospect of investment in Nepal from Qatar and other Middle East countries. Export from Nepal to Qatar could be increased. Nepal has been importing fuel in a huge quantity. We could make an effort to secure some concessional cooperation towards this end as well. Nepal should pitch these issues and advance the discussion during the visit."

According to him, securing the welfare of the Nepali migrant workers in Qatar and addressing the issues relating to their employment should be a part of the regular agenda of the Nepal's government during Emir's visit.

Bhattarai added, "Qatar has achieved economic prosperity in the last few years by capitalizing on its natural resources. It is advancing in terms of development and economic prosperity thanks to an able leadership with a good vision coupled with political stability. It has taught us a lesson that we could move ahead by optimizing the natural resources."

Similarly, Nepali Congress leader and former minister for foreign affairs Dr Narayan Khadka opined that Qatar was succeeding diplomatically and economically lately. "Countries like the USA and the UK among others have been seeking Qatar's mediation in any form in resolving the dispute between Israel and Hamas," he mentioned.

He viewed that discussion and consultation on the facilities for the Nepali migrant workers in Qatar should be held during the Emir's visit. He suggested a timely amendment in the labor pact between Nepal and Qatar.

According to him, the Qatari Emir's visit in the eve of the third Investment Summit was an opportune time to create an environment of confidence for the international community to consider investment in Nepal.

Khadka expressed his belief that the ties between the two countries could be expanded at people-to-people level if a training center would be established in cooperation with Qatar to impart training to aspiring Nepali migrant workers.

He suggested Nepal should accord hospitality with heart wide open to the Qatari Emir who is arriving here for his two-day official visit by giving Nepal so much value and importance.

'Initiatives should be taken to raise pay, facilities of Nepali workers'

Similarly, Dr Narad Bhardwaj who served as Nepal's ambassador to Qatar from 2019 to 2022 has suggested utilizing the Emir's visit, which is the first high-level visit from the Middle East Asian kingdom, for securing the rights and interests of the Nepali migrant workers there.

Nearly 400 thousand Nepalis are working in different sectors in Qatar at present. According to Dr Bhardwaj, the Qataris also have interest on this topic as they are impressed by the Nepali workers.

"The government of Nepal should take initiatives on increasing the salary and job security of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar and their welfare. This is the high-level visit taken from Qatar and if the Qatari Emir gives his approval during his state visit there would not be any problem in the implementation," former ambassador Bhardwaj said.

According to him, although Qatar is a rich and developed country, the salary of Nepali workers there is comparatively low. He said the Nepali migrant workers there get lower salary compared to the pay they get in South Korea and Israel whereas Qatar is comparatively a rich and developed country.

Nepal's Former Ambassador to Qatar suggested to the Government of Nepal to lobby on this topic during the Emir's visit. Stating that in Qatar there is provision of providing accidental insurance to the Nepali workers only in case of accident at the workplace and not in the case of accident on the way or other accidents, he urged the government to raise this topic as well.

"Qatar had made efforts to take Nepali workers in the security sector before this and Nepal too has made a decision to that end. But the decision is not yet implemented. If this topic could be taken ahead during the Amir's state visit by taking cognizance of their perspective on it, it would be of much benefit to Nepal in terms of income," Dr Bhardwaj suggested.

Similarly, Qatar is seeking to take Nepali women as domestic help, but Nepal has prohibited this. At the same time a large number of Nepali women have been going to the Gulf countries on visit visas and working there as domestic workers. This issue also needs to be managed and the government should address it during the Qatari Emir's visit.

Wrapping up his two-day visit to Nepal, External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar returned home on Friday.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal bade farewell to him at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

During his visit, Nepal and India on Thursday signed a landmark agreement on bilateral energy cooperation, allowing seamless export of Nepal’s energy to the Indian market. As per the agreement, India will purchase up to 10,000 MW electricity in the next 10 years.

He also held separate meetings with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, President Ram Chandra Paudel and other political leaders. After the meeting with PM Dahal, Jaishankar recalled the former’s “successful visit to India in June 2023 which has imparted a new momentum to our ties.”

Jaishankar said they discussed the “follow-up, including through Joint Commission”, adding that India-Nepal friendship is indeed unique and is moving from strength to strength.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said various aspects of Nepal-India relations were discussed under the thematic areas of economic relations, connectivity, trade and transit, power and water resources, education and culture and political matters.

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar has arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day visit to Nepal at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud on Thursday.

According to Amrit Bahadur Rai, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar arrived in Nepal to participate in the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission.

Foreign Minister Saud welcomed him at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will hold high-level political meetings today itself.

He will pay a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel at 11 am today.

After holding a meeting with President Paudel, he is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at 12 pm.

Jaisankar will take part in the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission to be held in Hotel Yak and Yeti at 1 pm.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will perform puja at Pashupatinath temple at 8 am on Friday and will return to India at 12 pm, it has been said.

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar is arriving in Nepal tomorrow for a two-day visit at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud.

According to Amrit Bahadur Rai, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is arriving in Nepal to participate in the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission.

Nepal-India Joint Commission was established in 1987. Both countries will review the overall state of bilateral relations and various areas of mutual cooperation at the ministerial level during the meeting.

During his visit, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Saud will also host a dinner in honor of the visiting dignitary and members of his delegation.

Nepal is India's primary partner under its 'Neighborhood First' Policy.

The impending meeting is going to take place in consideration of the tradition of high-level exchange of meetings between the two close and friendly neighbors.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister M. U. M. Ali Sabry arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

He arrived in Kathmandu to take part in the first meeting of Nepal-Sri Lanka Joint Commission (JC) set to be held in Kathmandu on December 21-22, 2023.

At the meeting, Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud will lead the Nepali delegation consisting of the officials of various ministries of the Government of Nepal. The two foreign ministers will also hold a separate meeting.

During his stay in Nepal, the Sri Lankan minister is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed.

The Foreign Minister will leave Kathmandu for Colombo on December 23, 2023.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister M. U. M. Ali Sabry is arriving in Nepal on a three-day official visit on Wednesday.

The purpose of his visit is to participate in the first meeting of Nepal-Sri Lanka Joint Commission (JC) set to be held in Kathmandu on December 21-22, 2023.

At the meeting, Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud will lead the Nepali delegation consisting of the officials of various ministries of the Government of Nepal. The two foreign ministers will also hold a separate meeting.

During the visit, the Sri Lankan minister is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed.

The Foreign Minister will leave Kathmandu for Colombo on December 23,  2023.