'Nepal, Canada entering new phase of national development'

 Kathmandu, July 30

Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nepal Dr. Mark Allen has described the consultations as an important opportunity to renew and elevate bilateral relations at a time when both countries are entering new phases of national development.

Speaking at a meeting with the Ambassadors Club Nepal he said that since governments alone cannot shape the future of international relations, other stakeholders have their role to play in it. "Diplomats, civil society, academia, think tanks, businesses, entrepreneurs, and young leaders all have essential roles to play in building stronger partnerships between nations," said Dr. Allen.

His visit to Nepal coincided with the Fourth Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) between Nepal and Canada.

He remarked that diplomacy has never been more relevant than it is today as the world navigates significant geopolitical shifts, emerging technologies, climate challenges, and changing economic realities. Maintaining dialogue, trust, and people-to-people connections, he noted, will remain fundamental to building peaceful and prosperous international partnerships.

He was accompanied by Dr. Buddha Basnyat, Honorary Consul of Canada to Nepal, and Tejdeep Kaur.

Dr. Allen was welcomed by Dr. Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal, President of Ambassadors Club Nepal, as well as International Relations Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD), Diplomat Nepal, and Diplomatic Academy Nepal (DAN).

She noted that the previous year marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Canada, a partnership built on mutual respect, democratic values, friendship, and development cooperation since 1965.

"Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves to bridging worlds through dialogue, diplomacy, and partnership. Today, we continue this journey with greater enthusiasm, stronger commitment, and a shared vision of creating meaningful international cooperation that benefits nations and people alike."

Dr. Parajuli also highlighted the vibrant and growing Nepali community in Canada, describing it as a living bridge connecting the peoples of both countries through education, entrepreneurship, culture, innovation, and people-to-people relations. She welcomed Canada's recognition of Nepal Heritage Day, calling it a meaningful acknowledgement of Nepal's rich cultural heritage and the valuable contributions of the Nepali diaspora.

Passport Department to open applications until Monday

Kathmandu, July 30

The Department of Passports (DoP) has decided to keep passport application forms open until Monday, August 3, to facilitate public service delivery. It has extended the application period to cover the public holidays on Saturday and Sunday, accordingly, ensuring that applicants continue to have access to the service.

The decision also takes into account the notice issued by the Department of Foreign Employment on Thursday extending the application deadline under South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS). In view of the extension, the DoP has decided to continue accepting passport applications for the time being, it said in a statement.

The DoP had previously opened additional passport application slots in response to the high number of Nepali applicants seeking passports for EPS applications. According to it, applicants who secure an appointment under the current arrangement must visit the department on the date and at the time specified in their application to receive passport services.

The department has requested all applicants to attend the DoP strictly on the date and at the time stated in their application forms.

It said the arrangement has been introduced to streamline service delivery while addressing the needs and convenience of service seekers.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 July 2026.         

DoP increases passport printing to 1,500 a day

Kathmandu, July 29

The Department of Passports (DoP) has increased its production capacity to meet the rising demand for electronic passports (e-passports), saying it is now producing and printing around 1,500 passports a day.

The department said that demand has risen significantly in recent weeks, particularly due to an increase in the number of Nepalis travelling to South Korea for employment.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the DoP said it has been continuously improving its service delivery system and production capacity to provide citizens with faster, simpler, safer and more efficient access to e-passports.

According to it, demand for e-passports has increased sharply over the past week. In response, it has expanded production capacity and is continuing to enhance its output to ensure applicants receive their passports on time.

The DoP attributed the growing demand to the increasing number of Nepalis travelling abroad under the Employment Permit System (EPS), as well as for employment, education, tourism, medical treatment and other purposes.

It noted that e-passport services are not limited to Kathmandu. Applications can be made through all 77 District Administration Offices, as well as various Area Administration Offices across the country.

Nepali citizens living overseas can also apply for e-passports through Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad.

The department said it plans to further expand services and strengthen the system in line with growing public demand. It added that technical and managerial measures are being implemented to resolve recent technical issues within the next month and stabilise the system within three months.

"We are working closely with technical partners to improve system capacity, stability and performance so that applicants do not face unnecessary delays," read the statement.

It maintained that as passports are an essential government document, priority is being given to applicants requiring urgent passports for foreign employment, education, medical treatment, family matters and other essential purposes.

"We will continue providing services despite the increased workload, while ensuring priority assistance for applicants with urgent needs wherever possible," it said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 July 2026.         

Nepal, Japan to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations

Kathmandu, July 28

The Nepal AOTS Alumni Society (Nepal AOTS), in collaboration with the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), is marking the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations with investment and trade fair and exhibitions.

The events expanding two days on coming Thursday and Friday in Lalitpur will feature Nepal-Japan semblance exhibition, Japanese tea ceremony, Nepal-Japan business, investment and trade fair, and business seminar and panel discussion.

The commemorative celebration is being organised with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS), Japan, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nepal (JCCN).

The exhibition will showcase approximately 70 carefully curated exhibits (comprising 60 visual exhibits and 10 traditional food displays,) highlighting the similarities between Nepal and Japan in culture, traditions, lifestyle, architecture, festivals, arts, cuisine, and social values.

"Visitors will experience one of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions, where the preparation and sharing of matcha symbolising the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that lie at the heart of the Japanese Tea Ceremony," read the statement issued jointly by the Nepal AOTS and NCC.

Likewise, the Business, Investment and Trade Fair will feature around two dozen exhibition booths/stalls, with more than 20 Nepali and Japanese companies, organisations, and entrepreneurs showcasing their products, services, technologies, innovations, investment opportunities, and successful bilateral business collaborations.

A delegation of 20 Japanese entrepreneurs and business representatives will visit Nepal to participate in the event, providing a unique platform for direct business engagement, investment promotion, technology exchange, and partnership development between Nepali and Japanese enterprises.

Similarly, the panel discussion is a high-level forum bringing together policymakers, industry experts, business leaders, and professionals to discuss trade, investment, technology transfer, industrial cooperation, human resource development, innovation, and future opportunities for strengthening Nepal-Japan economic relations.

According to the organisers, the event is expected to attract more than 3,000 visitors during the two-day celebration, making it one of the largest public commemorative events organised in Nepal to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations.

The event is expected to create new avenues for business partnerships, investment promotion, knowledge exchange, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

"The 2-day celebration aims to commemorate this important milestone while further strengthening bilateral friendship and collaboration through a series of business, cultural, and educational programs. The event will bring together distinguished dignitaries, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, development partners, academia, alumni, cultural organizations, entrepreneurs, and members from the both countries," read the statement.

The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. Diplomatic relations were formally established through the Exchange of Notes on 1 September 1956, marking the beginning of an enduring partnership that has grown over seven decades based on mutual trust, respect, friendship, and cooperation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

FM Khanal stresses result-oriented cooperation among BIMSTEC members

Kathmandu, July 28

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the need for deeper, more effective and results-oriented cooperation across all areas of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) to accelerate the economic transformation of member states and address shared regional challenges.

During a courtesy meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday, he reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the (BIMSTEC), describing it as an important regional platform for promoting regional cooperation, peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

The MoFA informed in a statement that he also highlighted the importance of developing BIMSTEC into a more effective, results-oriented and people-centred regional organisation capable of delivering tangible benefits that can be directly experienced by the citizens of member states.

Likewise, FM Khanal welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen the organisation institutionally, including the implementation of the BIMSTEC Charter. He reiterated Nepal's commitment, as the lead country for the People-to-People Contact sector, to strengthening regional ties through tourism, culture and greater exchanges among the peoples of member states.

The Foreign Minister also expressed Nepal's continued support for advancing BIMSTEC's shared objectives and contributing to the development of the Bay of Bengal region as a stronger, more prosperous and better-connected region.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Pandey briefed FM Khanal on recent progress and ongoing efforts to strengthen BIMSTEC as an effective, results-oriented and action-oriented regional organisation. He outlined developments in institutional reforms, the implementation of the BIMSTEC Charter and the BIMSTEC Vision Document, as well as priority initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation.

"Pandey commended Nepal's active participation and constructive contribution to BIMSTEC activities and expressed confidence that Nepal would continue to support the organisation in achieving its shared objectives," read the statement.

The meeting also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Nepal and the BIMSTEC Secretariat, make regional cooperation more results-oriented and people-centred, and ensure that the organisation's activities deliver direct benefits to the citizens of member states.

Nepal has been a member of BIMSTEC since 2004. Established to promote multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia, the regional organisation comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 July 2026.         

Nepal-Australia BCM discusses leveraging diaspora networks

 Kathmandu, July 24

The Third Meeting of the Nepal-Australia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) held in Kathmandu on Friday discussed strengthening people-to-people links by leveraging diaspora networks, managing migration and visa frameworks and exploring sister-city relations. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed that the BCM highlighted various areas of cooperation, including the expansion of trade relations, air connectivity, tourism, investment in Nepal's hydropower sector and the establishment of a formal educational cooperation framework for education and research. 

"Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international trends, human rights, carbon trading frameworks and reciprocal support for candidacies in multilateral forums like the United Nations," read the statement.

The meeting reviewed the status of Nepal- Australia bilateral relations as well, while the both sides reaffirmed their commitment to translating the understandings reached between the two sides into tangible outcomes for the mutual benefit of both countries.

They reviewed bilateral cooperation and development assistance, focusing on priorities such as high-level political engagement, climate resilience, green economy, water resource management, agricultural research, and the alignment of Australia's Development Partnership Plan in line with Nepal's national priorities. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Amrit Bahadur Rai, Foreign Secretary of Nepal and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of the South and Central Asia Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia. The delegations of Nepal and Australia included several officials from various ministries and departments and diplomatic mission.

Earlier, on Thursday, the first meeting of Joint Nepal-Australia Trade and Investment Committee under the Nepal Australia Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) was held in Kathmandu. 

The Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between Nepal and Australia was established in July 2017. The first and second meeting of the Mechanism were held in Kathmandu and Canberra in 2018 and 2022, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Australia in Kathmandu informed that Storey concluded a three-day visit to Nepal, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries and identifying new opportunities for cooperation across trade, investment, education, climate action, and sustainable development.

She met Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, and Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wagle.

She also engaged with students, academics, youth leaders, and foreign policy practitioners at Tribhuvan University, where she led a discussion on the future of Australia-Nepal relations, said the Embass in a statement.

“Our shared commitment to democratic principles and the rules-based order is a key pillar of our relationship and provides a strong foundation for working together to advance our shared interests,” Ms Storey said.

Likewise, the MOFA informed that is closely monitoring the recent development in the West Asia region.

"The current conflict appears to have re-emerged following the failure to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Should the conflict continue, it could have far-reaching consequences. For Nepal, these may include security challenges for Nepali nationals residing in the region, adverse impacts on employment opportunities, and disruptions to fuel supplies, construction, tourism and other sectors at home," Spokesperson of the Ministry Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said in a press meet organised at the MoFA on Friday

According to him, Nepal supports ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace in the region and to ensure the uninterrupted use of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

According to the information received from the Nepali missions abroad, Nepali nationals in the region remain safe, and there have been no reports of any Nepali citizens being affected by the conflict.

The MoFA has requested Nepali citizens in the region who encounter any difficulties to contact the nearest Nepali diplomatic mission immediately or report their concerns through the MoFA-Mitra App, operated by the Department of Consular Services.

Meanwhile, 49 Nepali nationals are detained in prisons in Cambodia. They have fallen victim to online scam centres being operated there. Such centres are operating in the border areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has already initiated coordination to provide the necessary legal assistance and other support to them.

To date, a total of 860 Nepali nationals have been rescued from these scam centres, comprising 733 from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos and six from Thailand.

The Foreign Ministry has urged family members and relatives of the victims to file complaints with the Nepal Police and other relevant authorities against individuals involved in the illegal recruitment and trafficking of Nepalis to scam centres, providing accurate details of such activities.

"Families and relatives are requested to encourage Nepali nationals currently in these areas, particularly those who are unwilling to return, to come back to Nepal at the earliest through telephone calls, social media or any other appropriate means of communication. The Embassy of Nepal has also urged those whose fines have been waived to return to Nepal without delay," said Chhetri.

According to him, information has been received that some individuals are falsely promising to secure the 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 July 2026.         

Suraj Vaidya elected Dean of Honorary Consular Corps

 Kathmandu, July 24

Suraj Vaidya, Chairman of the Vaidya Organisation of Industries and Trading Houses, has been unanimously elected Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the association representing honorary consuls in Nepal.

The 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the association held in Kathmandu on Thursday unanimously elected him to the post.

Vaidya, a former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), serves as the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Nepal.

The newly elected Dean said that attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal and promoting tourism and strengthening economic diplomacy would be the key priorities during his tenure.

He succeeds Bhola Thapa, Nepal's Honorary Consul for Bulgaria, as Dean. The General Assembly also elected Pasang Dawa Sherpa as Vice Dean of HCCN.

In a press statement issued on Thursday after assuming office, Vaidya said he would work proactively to strengthen Nepal's ties with the international community and expand economic cooperation. He noted that HCCN currently represents more than 64 countries, whose contributions to the global economy, international trade, technology, innovation, tourism and investment are significant.

He said that deepening Nepal's engagement with these countries, which together have a combined population of more than five billion and an economic output exceeding US$100 trillion, presents an important opportunity for the country's economic development.

Vaidya has decades of experience in Nepal's industrial sector. The Vaidya Organisation, a business house with a history spanning more than six decades, has long served as the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal. In recent years, the group has also expanded its investments beyond the automotive sector into cement and hospitality.

 

FM Khanal calls on Honorary Consuls to support economic diplomacy

Speaking at the HCCN event, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged honorary consuls to play a more active and results-oriented role in promoting trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer, as Nepal places economic diplomacy at the heart of its foreign policy.

He stressed that honorary consuls should make a stronger contribution to expanding Nepal's economic partnerships with countries around the world.

According to him, honorary consuls have served as an important bridge between Nepal and countries that do not maintain resident diplomatic missions in Kathmandu, making valuable contributions to strengthening people-to-people ties as well as commercial, cultural and institutional relations.

Khanal said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to providing the necessary support to enable honorary consuls to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.

"The Ministry will review the existing regulations, facilities and operating procedures governing honorary consuls in line with changing needs, and introduce reforms consistent with national and international legal frameworks and established practices," he said.

He said the government's key international priorities include expanding strategic partnerships, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), improving market access, promoting technology partnerships, boosting tourism and advancing sustainable development.

"Honorary consuls are indispensable partners in achieving these objectives. Through your professional networks, knowledge of local markets and close engagement with both the public and private sectors, you can make a significant contribution to promoting trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchange," Khanal said.

VP Yadav leaves for Qatar

 Kathmandu, July 14 

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has left for Qatar on Tuesday for a 3-day official visit.

He will convey condolences of the government to the Qatari Leadership on the sad demise of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed in a statement on Tuesday that VP Yadav is scheduled to handover the Letter of Condolences from President Ramchandra Paudel to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar on July 15.

The Vice President will be accompanied by high-ranking government officials. He will return to Kathmandu on July 16. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 July 2026.         

UK govt. prioritises to solve Gurkhas' problems, Says Defence Secy Jarvis

Kathmandu, July 14

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, held a virtual meeting with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence, Dan Jarvis on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on the unresolved longstanding grievances of the British Gurkhas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

Minister Khanal, while highlighting the significance of the British Gurkhas in Nepal-UK relations, stressed the need for a mutually agreeable solution to the British Gurkha grievances at the earliest possible time.

He requested the British Government to address the demands of British Gurkhas from the perspective of compassion and sacrifice made by the British Gurkhas. "Minister Khanal also expressed the readiness of the Government of Nepal to play a constructive role in resolving this issue in a collaborative manner," read the statement.

Defence Secretary Jarvis highlighted British Gurkhas as an integral part of the British Army and said that it is a priority for the UK Government to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Chief of the Europe Division, Ganesh Prasad Dhakal and other senior officials from the MoFA attended the meeting.

The meeting was coordinated and facilitated by the British Embassy in Kathmandu.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 July 2026.         

Passport Department completes largest ever data migration

Kathmandu, July 13

The Department of Passports (DoP) has successfully completed the largest data migration in Nepal's history. Along with this, passport services have been launched through a new passport production and management system, the department announced on Monday.

The DoP informed in a statement that the passport-related details of approximately 10 million Nepali citizens have been securely transferred to the new system.

"Following the implementation and 'Go-Live' of such a massive information technology system, there is a possibility of certain technical challenges, system slowdowns, and minor delays in passport distribution during the initial days," said the Department.

To prepare for such potential situations, the it said that its technical team, staff, and experts from the system development company are kept on standby 24 hours a day to continuously monitor, test, and improve the system.

Furthermore, the DoP requested that during the initial phase of the new system, only service seekers who are in urgent need of a passport should apply. It added that this cooperation will help make the new system more stable and effective.

For the preparation of this migratoion, the DoP had suspended the passport services provided through district administration offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad for three days, from 8 to 10 July.

Passport services provided directly by the DoP were suspended for two days, on 9 and 10 July.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 July 2026.         

Passport Department completes largest ever data migration

Kathmandu, July 13

The Department of Passports (DoP) has successfully completed the largest data migration in Nepal's history. Along with this, passport services have been launched through a new passport production and management system, the department announced on Monday.

The DoP informed in a statement that the passport-related details of approximately 10 million Nepali citizens have been securely transferred to the new system.

"Following the implementation and 'Go-Live' of such a massive information technology system, there is a possibility of certain technical challenges, system slowdowns, and minor delays in passport distribution during the initial days," said the Department.

To prepare for such potential situations, the it said that its technical team, staff, and experts from the system development company are kept on standby 24 hours a day to continuously monitor, test, and improve the system.

Furthermore, the DoP requested that during the initial phase of the new system, only service seekers who are in urgent need of a passport should apply. It added that this cooperation will help make the new system more stable and effective.

For the preparation of this migratoion, the DoP had suspended the passport services provided through district administration offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad for three days, from 8 to 10 July.

Passport services provided directly by the DoP were suspended for two days, on 9 and 10 July.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 July 2026.         

Nepal promotes tourism, trade in Mexico

Kathmandu, July 11

The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., which is concurrently accredited to Mexico, has organised a diplomatic and economic promotion mission in Mexico.

The mission, led by Acting Ambassador of Nepal Sharad Raj Aran, was held from 3 to 6 July and brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, tourism professionals, academics and civil society representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation between Nepal and Mexico.

The programme themed 'Connect Nepal – Via Tourism and Investment' began in Cancún on July 3 with an investment and tourism forum attended by around 40 business leaders, tourism executives, government officials and local representatives.

Addressing the forum, Aran presented investment opportunities in Nepal in sectors including tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, information technology and sustainable development. He also called for increased tourism exchanges between the two countries and discussed the potential for cooperation between Cancún and Nepal's tourism sector.

Participants at the event expressed interest in expanding business and tourism links with Nepal, said the Embassy of Nepal in a statement.

Likewise, a second programme was held in Mexico City on July 6, attracting around 150 participants, including business executives, entrepreneurs, representatives of business associations, diplomats and members of Mexico's mountaineering community.

During the event, plans were announced to establish a sister-city agreement between Heroica Zitácuaro in Mexico's Michoacán state and Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.

According to the organisers, the proposed partnership aims to promote cooperation in tourism, culture, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth exchange and local economic development. The agreement is also expected to facilitate exchanges between local governments, business delegations and cultural groups.

On the sidelines of the visit, Ambassador Aran held meetings with officials from Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation through trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchanges.

The embassy said the initiative reflects Nepal's efforts to strengthen engagement with Latin America and expand economic and diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Indra Prasad Kattel, Director of International Relations at the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, coordinated with the mission and facilitating cooperation between the embassy and public and private sector stakeholders. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 July 2026.         

UAE Minister calls on President Paudel

Kathmandu, July 10

The United Arab Emirates' Minister for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel at the latter's office on Friday.

The President's Office informed in a statement that President Paudel and the UAE minister discussed the existing bilateral relations, mutual interests, and concerns between Nepal and the UAE.

The visiting minister also held bilateral talks with Nepal's Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari.

The talks were focused on cooperation and exchanges in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, as well as matters related to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri informed at a press meet on Friday.

Earlier, Minister Zeyoudi held courtesy meetings with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal, PM's Chief Political Advisor Asim Shah, and Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, tourism, labour migration, infrastructure development, renewable energy and increasing investment through Sovereign Wealth Funds in priority sectors.

Likewise, he also met Minister of Finance Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Speaker of the House of Representatives DP Aryal and the Minister of Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung.

The delegation is also expected to hold meetings with representatives of Nepal's private sector.

Zeyoudi arrived in Nepal on Wednesday leading an 18-member delegation.

836 Nepalis rescued from scam centres

Meanwhile, the government has rescued a total of 836 Nepali nationals from scam centres operating in the border areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand as of July 9. Of them, 709 were rescued from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos and six from Thailand.

"At the continuous request of the Nepali Embassy, the Government of Cambodia has been waiving visa fees and penalties for Nepali nationals who have overstayed their visas. This year, the Cambodian government has waived the fees of a total of 602 individuals. A request has also been made to waive penalties for additional Nepali nationals," said Chhetri.

According to the MoFA, it has been continuously coordinating and undertaking initiatives to rescue Nepali nationals who have fallen victim to various online scamming centres in South East Asian nations.

Since 1 May 2026, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has been collecting information through an online form and issuing free one-way travel permits to all Nepali nationals who have lost their passports and sending them to Cambodia.

Relatives of Nepali nationals who are unwilling to return from Cambodia are urged to make every effort to encourage them to return to Nepal.

10 new strategies being prepared

To strengthen economic diplomacy, the government is preparing Country Specific Strategies for an additional 10 countries- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Malaysia, France, Russia, Canada and Türkiye, bringing the total to 20 countries.

Earlier, in fiscal year 2024/25, the government had prepared strategies for 10 countries including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, Belgium, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Nepal-Australia Bilateral meet on July 24

Meanwhile, the third meeting of the Nepal-Australia Bilateral Consultative Mechanism is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on 24 July. The Nepali delegation will be led by the Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Australian delegation will be led by Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

Nepal and Australia signed an agreement to establish the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on 14 July 2017.

Likewise, the MoFA said that Nepal is closely monitoring recent developments in the West Asia region.

"We have consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable means of resolving disputes. We support ongoing initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region and ensuring the uninterrupted use of the Strait of Hormuz," it said.

According to Chhetri, the situation of Nepali nationals residing there remains normal, and the ministry continues to remain vigilant regarding their safety and well-being.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 July 2026.         

UAE Trade Minister meets Minister Khanal

Kathmandu, July 9

A United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation led by its Minister for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal, at the latter's office at the Singha Durbar on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and the UAE across a range of areas of mutual interest, including greater cooperation in trade, investment, AI, and digital transformation.

They also talked about cooperation in tourism, labour migration, infrastructure, renewable energy as well as increased Sovereign Wealth Fund investment in priority sectors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in its post on X.

FM Khanal further underscored the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries while highlighting the Government of Nepal's aspiration to make the upcoming Golden Jubilee celebration of diplomatic relations a major milestone by securing UAE investment in various projects in Nepal. 

The Minister also urged the UAE government to remove the requirement of further verification of the Police Report after attestation by the Department of Consular Services, read the statement. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 July 2026.       

Distribution of prepared passport remains open

Kathmandu, July 8

The Department of Passport (DoP) informed that although the passport service will be suspended temporarily for a couple of days this week, passports that are already prepared at the Department will continue to be distributed.

"Service recipients who have received an SMS notification on their mobile phones to collect their passports may contact the Department and collect their passports accordingly," the DoP informed in a statement on Wednesday.

The DoP is migrating the existing passport issuance and distribution system to a new one from July 13. The migration will affect passport services provided through district and area administration offices, Nepali diplomatic missions abroad, and the DoP itself.

The DoP informed last week that passport services provided through district administration offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad will remain suspended for three days, from 8 to 10 July. Likewise, passport services provided directly by the DoP will be suspended for two days, on 9 and 10 July.

The department said that passport services under the new system will resume on July 13, and will thereafter operate on a regular basis. July 11 and 12 fall on the weekend. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 July 2026.       

Economic diplomacy key tenet of foreign policy: Foreign Ministry

Kathmandu, July 5

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said that first 100 days of the new government has been successful with the initiatives like launching a new mobile app for Nepalis in foreign countries, rescue of Neplais in crisis, postponement of the graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC), and execution of economic diplomacy.

In a statement published on Saturday night, the Ministry also highlighted the visit of Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to India and China, internship programme and initiatives in controlling hundi as its achievements.

According to it, the government has initiated a formal process to defer Nepal's scheduled graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. "Although Nepal was previously scheduled to graduate on 24 November 2026, due to recent domestic and international economic and geopolitical developments, the government has sought to postpone the graduation until November 2029," read the statement.

On 13 May 2026, FM Khanal wrote to the Chair of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) requesting the deferral. According to him, reasons behind seeking the postponement are economic impact and global instability, loss of trade preferences and employment risks, delayed implementation of the Smooth Transition Strategy, post-pandemic vulnerability, and impact of the development in West Asia.

The ministry launched the MoFA Mitra mobile application, on May 26. The application is designed to provide consular assistance and other essential services to Nepalis living abroad, particularly those facing emergencies. The ministry has also expanded its online document authentication system and extended digital consular and legal advisory services to all seven provinces, 77 districts and 537 local government units.

Likewise, it said that a diplomatic intervention had resolved a long-standing problem affecting around 2,000 Nepalis in Portugal whose temporary residence applications had stalled after forged consular authentication stamps were discovered on original police clearance certificates. Following discussions between Nepali and Portuguese authorities, supported by the Nepali Embassy in Lisbon, applications for temporary residence permits are now being processed.

Efforts to protect vulnerable Nepalis overseas have also continued. The ministry, in coordination with Nepali diplomatic missions, has rescued and repatriated 819 citizens who had fallen victim to online scam networks operating in South-East Asia, read the statement.

Similarly, Nepal also secured the release of detained nationals through sustained diplomatic engagement. The United Arab Emirates granted pardons to 128 Nepali prisoners in April 2026, while Saudi Arabia pardoned 33 Nepali nationals in June.

The MoFA also said that it achieved success in resolving trade obstacles affecting Nepali tea exports to India. Following sustained discussions with Indian authorities, including the Ministries of External Affairs and Commerce, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Tea Board of India, export procedures have been streamlined. The issue was also raised during the Foreign Minister's official visit to India in June.

In response to the crisis in West Asia, a high-level inter-agency task force was formed under the leadership of the Foreign Minister. The team submitted recommendations outlining short, medium and long-term measures to mitigate the conflict's impact on Nepal. During the regional tensions, the ministry established a 24-hour Emergency Response Team, strengthened coordination with diplomatic missions and facilitated the return of 1,047 Nepali nationals from the affected region.

The ministry also announced that Nepal's upgraded passport management system is expected to go live later this month. According to it, preparations are largely complete, while mobile passport services have been introduced in countries without resident Nepali diplomatic missions.

"Work has also begun to allow citizens to apply for passports from any district, and a partnership with the Department of Postal Services will improve passport delivery nationwide," said the MoFA.

On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Khanal's official visits to India from 5 to 7 June and China from 14 to 17 June were described as significant milestones.

Discussions with both neighbours focused on expanding trade, investment, energy cooperation, tourism, connectivity and broader economic partnerships. Nepal also reiterated its commitment to resolving outstanding border issues with India through diplomatic dialogue based on historical agreements and maps, while meetings with Chinese leaders reinforced bilateral cooperation and development partnerships.

The ministry said it is giving greater priority to country-specific strategies aimed at identifying mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and strengthening economic diplomacy. Policy initiatives have focused on promoting exports, foreign investment, tourism, information technology and development cooperation through closer coordination among federal, provincial and local governments, the private sector and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Khanal held a virtual meeting with UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Minister for Veterans Alistair Carns' representative Lewis Sander-Jones to discuss long-standing issues concerning former British Gurkha soldiers.

Nepal also secured a United Nations declaration recognising 15 April as the International Day of Wellbeing, while an agreement was signed with Heidelberg University's South Asia Institute in Germany to repatriate centuries-old Nepali manuscripts.

Meanwhile, the ministry launched its first-ever MoFA Nepal Summer Internship and Fellowship Programme 2026, selecting 20 participants from 1,278 applicants to conduct research on foreign affairs, economic diplomacy and the Nepali diaspora. It also opened, for the first time, a public application process for ambassadorial appointments, attracting around 3,000 applications.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 July 2026.       

Minister Chaudhary calls for greater climate justice

Kathmandu, June 30

Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary has called for greater climate justice, increased climate finance and stronger international cooperation to support vulnerable countries affected by climate change.

Addressing the Seventh Climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference in Bangkok on Tuesday, she said Nepal contributes only a negligible share of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to face severe impacts and risks from climate change.

“Nepal's status as a least developed, landlocked and high-mountain country makes it particularly vulnerable, despite its contribution to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection that helps regulate the global climate,” the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok quoted Minister Chaudhary as saying in a statement.

The conference, jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Bangkok from June 29 to 30.

The conference discussed synergies between the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, and integrated action for climate, environment and sustainable development.

Minister Chaudhary stressed the need to place mountain issues at the centre of the global climate agenda, saying the Himalayas, often described as Asia's water reservoir, and their glaciers are vital to the region.

She said coordinated implementation of climate commitments and the SDGs is essential for Nepal to maximise the use of its limited resources. Investments in climate action, she added, should also accelerate progress towards the SDGs and deliver wider development benefits.

Likewise, Minister Chaudhary said that Nepal's third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) have been fully aligned with the SDGs and prepared with the participation of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

According to the Embassy, she appealed to the international community to support their implementation.

Minister Chaudhary also urged developed countries to ensure adequate, predictable, grant-based and easily accessible climate finance and to provide assistance to affected communities through the Loss and Damage Fund.

She further called for improved market access for organic products from least developed, landlocked and mountainous countries, contributing to environmental and biodiversity conservation.

Environment ministers and representatives from Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Fiji and Pakistan, among other countries, participated in the conference.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 July 2026.    

EU willing to work with Nepal for air safety

Kathmandu, June 24

The European Union (EU) said on Tuesday that it wants to continue working with Nepal to help the latter in achieving air safety.

“The EU and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with the Government of Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve,” Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the EU to Nepal Thomas Millar said while speaking at the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP) being held in Kathmandu from Tuesday.

“Both the EU and its Member States are already providing technical assistance and have worked closely with all stakeholders to support progress,” he said.

The three-day event, which kicked off on Tuesday, is jointly organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and ATR.

The module will focus on ‘Crew Training and Operational Standards’, addressing the human and procedural dimensions of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management, the Delegation of the EU informed in a statement.

Noting that air safety is a priority for Nepal, Millar said, “We have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech, aiming to address the concerns of the European Commission (EC). We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan.”

According to him, officials in the Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), the EC department responsible for developing sustainable, safe and efficient transport and mobility policies in the EU, will review the Corrective Action Plan in the coming months.

Nepal has been on the EU’s air safety concern list since 2013, which bars Nepali airlines from flying to, from and within the EU. This has seriously impacted Nepal’s tourism and international trade since then.

Following the launch of a series of aviation cooperation activities earlier this year, the EU has continued its partnership with Nepal and South Asia through two new regional initiatives taking place in Kathmandu under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP).

Over two weeks, aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across South Asia are gathering in Nepal to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and discuss practical approaches to enhancing aviation safety.

The EU Delegation said that by bringing together regulators, operators and industry representatives, the programme aims to foster practical and sustainable approaches to aviation safety.

The second activity, which takes place from 29 June to 2 July, will also host a Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). The workshop will examine recent developments in EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, supporting authorities and industry in implementing the evolving international requirements.

Together, these activities demonstrate the evolution of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project from individual technical exchanges towards a more structured and sustained programme of regional cooperation.

“They also reinforce Nepal's growing role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and illustrate the European Union's commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders through practical, demand-driven and long-term partnerships,” read the statement.

EU envoys pledge to assist Nepal in education, ICT and tourism

Kathmandu, May 26

The European Union (EU) indicated that Nepal is likely to remain on its 'Aviation Safety Concern List' along with sustained operation ban, commonly known as black-list, for a while.

An EU team, following an assessment of the progress in 2023, had recommended the areas and activities to reform. But Nepal couldn't register sufficient progress. "The CAAN had formulated an action plan to improve the status but for the last two and a half years, there was no progress," EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo said at a press meet organised jointly with 22 envoys of EU member States to Nepal in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

She added that the EU is supporting Nepal to implement new standards in improving the aviation sector so that it would be delisted from the EU's safety concern list.

"All the ministers and chiefs of government agencies asked the same question to this delegation. We have same single objective to instill confidence in Nepal's aviation industry," she stated as the representative of the visiting delegation.

However, Ambassador Lorenzo maintained that the EU had asked Nepal for having independent departments for service operation and regulation of the aviation sector but not splitting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) into two separate entities,

The EU placed Nepal on the list and banned Nepali airlines operators from flying to its member countries on December 5, 2013. The causes it cited then were a series of aviation accidents and regulatory concerns.

Although the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) removed Nepal from its list of 'Significant Safety Concerns' in 2017 after assessing the safety improvements, the EU maintained the status quo. Nepal was included in the ICAO 'safety concern' in 2013.

The delegation included envoys from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Of these countries, Finland, France and Germany have their embassies in Nepal apart from the EU Delegation.

Likewise, Ambassador Lorenzo suggested Nepal should begin its homework for the graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC). Stating that some sectors will be most vulnerable and many jobs will be lost, she expressed her dismay that the country didn't do its homework to face the post-graduation scenario.

The ambassadors present at the press meet said that they were keen to support the new government in its development initiatives especially in education and information technology sector.

Several of them expressed their readiness in extending cooperation in tourism sector as well. Non-resident ambassador of Sweden to Nepal Jan Thesleff said, "Now tourists want to experience the culture, nature and adventure which Nepal has in abundance. From nature to mountains and wellness, you can offer a lot to the tourists."

He also said that Sweden is ready to support Nepal in tourism.

Similarly, non-resident ambassador of Estonia to Nepal Marje Luup said that her country is ready to share its practices and successes in ICT and e-governance with Nepal. "I am sure there will be many other opportunities where we can find ways for cooperation," she said.

Non-resident ambassador of Cyprus to Nepal Evagoras Vryonides expressed concerns to Nepalis paying huge sums of money to reach Cyprus. "Nepali workers and students are paying about 7,000 Euros (above Rs. 1.2 million). This should be reduced and we must find a way out for that," he said.

Meanwhile, the envoys appreciated the government leadership in Nepal and said that Prime Minister Balendra Shah was determined to deliver in order to meet the public expectations.

“It is rare that there are such joint diplomatic trips, and we are overwhelmed by the hospitality we received,” they said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 May 2026.  

DoCS launches 'MoFA Mitra'

Kathmandu, May 26

The Department of Consular Services (DoCS), an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officially launched MoFA Mitra mobile application to facilitate registering consular-related concerns and grievances.

The application enables Nepali citizens abroad and their families to register their consular related concerns and grievances online, and receive timely updates on their requests.

It will also help them to track the status of their requests and communicate directly with the Nepali missions concerned for the effective resolution of their issues, the MoFA informed in a statement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal launched the app at a programme organised at the DoCS on Tuesday. The app is available on Android and iOS platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, FM Khanal said that consular assistance has become more important than ever, as millions of Nepalis are living outside the country and the trend of going abroad continues to rise.

He also highlighted the importance of leveraging digital technology to make consular services more accessible and effective.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 May 2026.