Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba Hails India Visit as a Boost to Bilateral Relations and Cooperation
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that her recent official visit to India significantly contributed to enhancing mutual goodwill and promoting cooperation between Nepal and India. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliament's International Relations and Tourism Committee held at Singha Durbar, she expressed confidence that the visit further strengthened the friendly, cooperative, and multifaceted relations between the two countries based on mutual equality and benefit.
Minister Rana highlighted that the visit provided guidelines for expanding high-level contacts and promoting cooperation through bilateral mechanisms for mutual benefit. During the meeting, she responded to queries from lawmakers, mentioning that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a positive response to an invitation for an official visit to Nepal. She conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and formally handed over the invitation to PM Modi during her courtesy call in New Delhi on August 19.
Minister Rana's visit to India, at the invitation of India's Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, included discussions on various topics, including trade and transit cooperation, increasing electricity exports from Nepal to India, extending cross-border connectivity, and promoting Indian investment in Nepal. Talks were also held to advance discussions on granting more air routes to Nepal, resolving issues related to flooding and inundation, and prioritizing the Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project.
She noted that both sides agreed to maintain continuity in bilateral contacts on several topics through existing mechanisms. Furthermore, an agreement was reached in principle for a technical committee to discuss the matter of air routes.
Minister Rana reiterated the government's commitment to conducting international relations and diplomacy in line with Nepal's foreign policy, focusing on protecting and promoting national interests. She emphasized that Nepal is being represented in international forums, ensuring the country's interests are upheld.
The Foreign Minister assured that the government is committed to making the appointment of ambassadors more systematic, dignified, transparent, and based on capacity and performance. She also noted that the policy of appointing at least 50 percent of ambassadors from the Foreign Service has been continued to maintain a balance between political appointments and career diplomats.
Additionally, preparations are underway for signing four important agreements with Oman on tourism, health, labor, and foreign affairs, according to Minister Rana.
