Joint Press Statement on the First Meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism
- The first meeting of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation Mechanism concluded in Kathmandu today.The Nepalese delegation in the meeting was led by Mr. Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary, Europe America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Swiss delegation was led by Assistant State Secretary Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, Head of Asia-Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
- The meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, which was established by an MOU signed between the two sides on November 4, 2015, reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations between the two countries. The two sides exchanged views on matters of common concern, including the latest developments in their respective countries, regional cooperation, cooperation within the UN framework, and global issues such as climate change, migration, and human rights. Particularly, the discussions were focused on Nepal’s ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction strategies as well as longer-term development priorities and possible Swiss cooperation to Nepal in these areas.
- The Nepalese side appreciated and thanked the Swiss Government for its solidarity and support to Nepal’s democratization The Nepalese side also appreciated the prompt and generous Swiss support to Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2015, and the significant pledge and commitment expressed by Switzerland in the ongoing reconstruction phase. The Nepalese side expressed the view that Switzerland’s longstanding development cooperation to Nepal as a priority country, and its pledge and commitment of significant support to the reconstruction efforts will be of vital importance in moving the country forward along the path of economic recovery, growth and prosperity.
- The Swiss side welcomed the promulgation of the new constitution as an important milestone on the way to concluding the peace process, and expressed readiness to work with the Government of Nepal in further strengthening the bilateral relations for the benefit of both the countries and peoples. The Swiss side reiterated its commitment that the Swiss development cooperation will continue in Nepal, and expressed the hope that Nepal will now enter into a phase of stable and inclusive democratic governance conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.
- The second meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism will take place in Berne, Switzerland on a mutually convenient date.
Kathmandu
May 30, 2016