Kathmandu, Sept. 25
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba conducted
bilateral meetings with officials from various countries, including foreign
ministers, during her participation in the 79th session of the
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York of the USA.
In a meeting with her South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul,
the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including further strengthening
bilateral relations, and mutual interests while acknowledging the importance of
the upcoming 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Nepal and
South Korea, informed FM Dr. Deuba's secretariat on a statement on Wednesday.
The diplomatic relations were established in 1974.
On the occasion, Minister Dr. Rana extended an invitation
for the Korean President to visit Nepal coinciding with the 50th anniversary
of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting that exchange of
such high-level visits would further consolidate bilateral relations.
She also expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Government
of Nepal for the employment opportunities provided to Nepali citizens through
the EPS (Employment Permit System) and the scholarships provided by the South
Korean government to Nepali students and civil servants. Additionally, she
appreciated South Korean cooperation with Nepal through supports in the social,
economic and other fields, urging its additional investment in Nepal.
South Korea is one of the major foreign countries that have
direct investment in Nepal. In the last fiscal year 2023/24, South Korea
invested about Rs. 12 billion in Nepal. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana
sought Korea's support for Nepal's candidatures to the United Nations Human
Rights Council and Security Council.
Likewise, Minister Dr. Rana had a bilateral meeting with her
Philippine counterpart, Enrique A. Manalo. Both leaders discussed mutual
interests and potential future cooperation. Dr. Rana also sought the
Philippines' support for Nepal's candidatures to the United Nations Human
Rights Council and Security Council.
In a separate meeting with Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora,
Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral
Assistance (International IDEA), Dr. Rana expressed appreciation for
International IDEA’s continued efforts towards strengthening democratic,
federal, and electoral institutions in Nepal and globally.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 September 2024.
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