Al-Thani pledges full security to Nepalis
Kathmandu, Mar. 5
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has assured that his government would
provide them with security and protection equal to that of Qatari citizens in
the present circumstances.
In a telephone conversation with Nepal's
Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday afternoon, he praised the friendly
relations between Nepal and Qatar and noted the significant contribution made
by Nepali citizens in Qatar.
Describing the current situation as
unfortunate, he stated that his country was acting solely to safeguard its
sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-defence. He added that Qatar has
always been a champion of peace and therefore opposes such acts.
After the war broke between Israel-USA and
Iran, the latter has hit a few targets in Qatar, primarily the US military
base.
PM Al-Thani also thanked Nepal for the
friendship and solidarity it has shown during this difficult time. Expressing
hope that the situation would soon come to an end, he stressed the importance
of further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between the two
countries as before.
Prime Minister Karki expressed concern over
the recent developments in the West Asia region.
She thanked the Government of Qatar for the
security and protection provided to the approximately 360,000 Nepali citizens
residing in Qatar, informed the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.
“At present, nearly 360,000 Nepali citizens
are living and working in Qatar. I am extremely pleased to hear that they are
safe and well cared for," she said.
Stating that Nepal has been closely
observing the developments in West Asia, Prime Minister Karki noted that Nepal
believes all concerned parties should exercise restraint, avoid further
escalation of conflict, and ensure the safety of civilians.
She emphasised that all nations must duly
respect and adhere to the Charter of the United Nations, international law, the
Geneva Conventions, and humanitarian law.
"War cannot be an alternative to peace
under any circumstances. Lasting peace can only be ensured through dialogue and
diplomacy," said PM Karki.
She also expressed confidence that
relations between the two countries would become even stronger in the coming
days through high-level exchanges of visits, economic and cultural cooperation,
and people-to-people ties.
During the telephone conversation, Prime
Minister Karki expressed solidarity with Qatar regarding the current situation
and conveyed deep concern over attacks carried out on Qatari sovereign
territory, particularly in non-military areas. She also expressed confidence
that Qatar would be capable of addressing the current situation with a
constructive role.
Data collection in progress
Meanwhile, the embassies of Nepal in the
West Asia have requested again the Nepali citizens who are stranded in their
concerned countries to update their situation.
"Nepali citizens who are currently
stranded in the UAE due to the present situation while returning to Nepal or
travelling to a third country, as well as those facing difficulties returning
to Nepal after their company visas were cancelled, register on the Department
of Consular Services (Kathmandu) portal, as notified," the Embassy of
Nepal in Abu Dhabi of the UAE requested on Wednesday evening.
According to it, students on tourist/visit
visas, those in transit, individuals with expired visas, and those wishing to
return to Nepal immediately are requested to provide their details at the
earliest.
The government has already formed a Emergency
Response Team to respond to the emerging situation due to the war in West Asia.
Likewise, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) expressed its readiness to
support the government in rescue, relief and repatriation of Nepali citizens in
the Gulf region.
NRNA President Dr. Badri KC said that, if
necessary, the association stands ready to take immediate initiatives—through
the mechanisms of the government as well as its own network—for the rescue,
safe relocation and necessary relief management of Nepali citizens in the West
Asia.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Office at the
Tribhuvan International Airport informed that a few airlines will operate
specific flight from some airports in West Asia to Nepal and back to the same
airports for transit passengers who are travelling to Nepal via third countries
but stranded there. However, they will not conduct onward connecting or transit
flights.
The office requested the passengers travelling
to West Asian countries, or travelling to third countries via transit from
those countries, to coordinate with the respective airlines and arrive at the
airport only after their booking is confirmed.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 March 2026.
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