Saudi envoy calls on Minister Khanal

Kathmandu, Aug. 20

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nepal Fahd Mohammad A. Mnikhr paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal where they discussed bilateral high-level visits and the safety and welfare of Nepali workers.

In the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Singha Durbar, the two sides also talked about the bilateral relations and various matters of mutual interest.

"Both sides recalled the significance of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia and stressed the need to continue high-level visits and exchanges to further strengthen bilateral ties," FM Khanal's secretariat informed in a statement.

FM Khanal said high-level visits between the two countries would provide further momentum to bilateral relations and contribute to expanding cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. “We should continue high-level visits and dialogue between the two countries and further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” he said.

The Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for the security and protective measures it had adopted to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens and Nepali workers living in Saudi Arabia during the recent regional conflict. He also expressed concern over reports that some Nepali workers employed in Saudi Arabia had not received fair remuneration for the work they had performed, and urged the Saudi side to pay due attention to such issues.

Minister Khanal also appreciated the support provided by Saudi authorities in repatriating the bodies of Nepali citizens who have died in Saudi Arabia.

They also discussed expanding cooperation in political consultations, investment, tourism, air connectivity, labour mobility and the welfare of Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia.

“Nepal is keen to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia not only in political and diplomatic relations but also in investment, tourism, air connectivity, labour and other economic sectors. It is now necessary to transform the existing friendly relations between the two countries into a more results-oriented partnership,” Minister Khanal said.

Nepal and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 21 August 2026.