Switzerland welcomes new constitution

Kathmandu, May 31: Switzerland has welcomed the promulgation of the new constitution in Nepal as an important milestone on the way to concluding the peace process.

Issuing a joint press statement after the first Meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism here on Monday, Switzerland expressed its hope that the new constitution would pave way to lead the country towards development and expressed readiness to work with the government in further strengthening the bilateral relations for the benefit of both the countries and people.

“The Swiss side reiterated its commitment that the Swiss development cooperation will continue and Nepal, and expressed the hope that Nepal will now enter into a phase of stable and inclusive democratic governance conducive to sustainable economic growth and development,” read the press statement.

The Nepalese delegation in the meeting was led by Bhrigu Dhungana, joint secretary of Europe America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss delegation was led by assistant state secretary ambassador Johannes Matyassy, Head of Asia-Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions in the meeting were focused on Nepal’s on-going post-quake reconstruction strategies as well as long term development priorities and possible Swiss cooperation in Nepal in the reconstruction process.

The two sides also exchanged views on matters of common concern, including the latest developments in their respective countries, regional cooperation, cooperation within the United Nations Framework, and global issues like climate change, migration and human rights.

Nepal appreciated the prompt and generous Swiss support to Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake last year, and the significant pledge and commitment expressed by Switzerland in the ongoing reconstruction phase.

Nepal and Switzerland established the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism by signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides on 4^th November 2015. The second meeting of the mechanism will be hold in Berne, Switzerland.