Kathmandu, May 19: The delegates from the European Union today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. This is the first time in Nepal that such a number EU delegates including Veronique Lorenzo, the EU ambassador to Nepal, have been in Kathmandu. They arrived here to take part in the three-day first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad that was held in Kathmandu on May 16-18.
During the meeting, discussions between the two sides centered on the Nepal-EU diplomatic ties since 51 years, and the significance of EU cooperation for Nepal’s stability, economic development and good governance. During the meeting, the Prime Minister apprised the delegates that Nepal has now picked up pace in the areas of economic development and good governance following its transitions from the armed conflict, peaceful people’s movement, peace talks and the promulgation of the constitution from the Constituent Assembly.
Stating that two major political parties in Nepal – the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress (NC) – formed the incumbent coalition government with commitments to advancing economic development and good governance, the Prime Minister urged the EU delegation to invest in Nepal for its prosperity and job creations.
Citing that there is no possibility to recede from the federal democratic republic system, an outcome of people’s struggle, he said, “Stability and prosperity is the onward destination of Nepal.”
The PM said that “Friendship with all, animosity with none” reflects Nepal’s foreign policy, emphasizing its close relations with both India and China, as well as maintaining friendly ties with all other nations. He expressed gratitude to the delegation members for attending the Sagarmatha Sambaad with the greater realisation of its theme and objectives.
The event was themed – “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity.” The Prime Minister seized the opportunity to announce that there would be no further delay in resolving the issues of transitional justice, as the relevant laws have already been enacted and two commissions have been formed in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.
The EU ambassadors pledged their continued support to Nepal in areas such as education, infrastructure, health, energy, information technology, and climate change, while collaborating with the country on its socio-economic development efforts. Also present at the event were Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Prasad Rimal, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
