No compromise in support to flood, landslide victims: PM Oli

Kathmandu, Sept. 30

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli  has assured that the government will leave no stone unturned in providing all possible support and relief to the victims of  floods and landslides caused by the torrential rains a couple of days ago.

"While I was out of the country, an unimaginable flood and landslide caused damage to people's life and property. Hundreds of people died, some are still missing while hundreds are injured," he said while talking to  journalists upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after participating in the 79^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on Monday.

PM Oli expressed condolences to the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured ones in the disaster.

The Prime Minister  returned home after participating in the UNGA from 20 to 30 September.

On September 22 and 23 he participated in the Summit of the Future and addressed the summit as the president of the Least Developed Countries Group. He talked about the problems of poverty, hunger, inequality and climate change which the least developed countries are suffering from and called for the global collaboration and support to solve these challenges posing grave dangers to the mankind.

"I highlighted the  democracy being practiced in Nepal and its basic aspects of human rights, gender equality, rule of law, social justice and social security.  Speaking about the achievements we have achieved in our original peace process, I underscored for the support of the international community for the necessary compensation to bring it to a concrete conclusion," said PM Oli.

Similarly, he stated that he drew the attention of the world community to climate change and its effects on the Himalayas of Nepal and the solutions to solve the problems of the Himalayan nations .

Stating that there are serious obstacles and challenges in achieving the goals of sustainable development in developing countries and especially the least developed countries including Nepal, he tried to draw the attention of the world community to the arrangement of necessary resources for the achievement of the goals of sustainable development.

"Drawing the world's attention to the problems of the least developed and landlocked countries, I have emphasized the need to remove poverty and inequality through international cooperation, technology transfer and investment for the development of those countries," said PM Oli.

Reiterating Nepal's unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives contained in the United Nations Charter, PM Oli appreciated the role it has played in the field of world peace, human rights and development.

He also emphasized on the increasing geopolitical competition, arms race, growing conflicts around the world and the need for multilateralism to be further strengthened in this sensitive time and the reform and reorganization of the United Nations.

During the UNGA, PM Oli addressed the High-Level Plenary Meeting  on the Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise, Climate Vulnerable Forum Leaders Meeting, and High-Level Plenary Meeting  on Antimicrobial Resistance, and a programme on 'A Lead-Free Future' organised by the USAID.

Similarly, PM Oli held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres and leaders of various friendly countries.

In the meeting with the Secretary General held on September 21, he discussed the progress of Nepal's peace process, the UN's support for reducing the effects of climate change in Nepal, Nepal's support for the development and strengthening of the UN and Nepal's contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.

"Based on Nepal's contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission, I have also requested that Nepal should be represented at the highest level in the secretariat and the mission. Also, I have invited the Secretary General to be present at the Everest Dialogue that we are planning to organize in the near future," said PM Oli.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, discussions and talks were held with the counterparts of various friendly countries and high officials of the United Nations on bilateral and multilateral interests and issues.

PM Oli held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Daso Chiring Togbe, Mohammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, and Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Sehbaz Sharif. He also met Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi.

The friendly relations with these countries and further strengthening of mutual cooperation on multilateral issues were discussed during the meetings. He also held meetings with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Qatar, Laos, and Luxembourg. He also held bilateral and delegation-level meetings with the heads of various international agencies.

Likewise, he delivered speeches at  Columbia University and Harvard University. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 October 2024.