Press Release
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi called on the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ this morning. Matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, development cooperation and employment of Nepali nationals in Qatar were discussed. The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar’s mediation in humanitarian pause in Gaza and release of hostages. On the occasion, the Prime Minister requested for cooperation of the Government of Qatar in securing the release of Bipin Joshi from the captivity of Hamas.
Earlier, His Excellency Al-Muraikhi also called on Hon. Mr. N.P. Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs at the latter’s office. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction on the existing state of bilateral relations and agreed to explore the prospective areas including investment in Nepal, cooperation in the field of education and sports, exchange programs, scholarships, employment of skilled and semi-skilled Nepali nationals in Qatar, among others. Besides complimenting Qatar’s role in easing the situation in Gaza and the release of the hostages, Honourable Minister reiterated the request for Qatar’s facilitation for the early release of Bipin Joshi. The Qatari side informed their continuous efforts in releasing the hostages and easing the humanitarian situation.
The Qatari delegation led by H.E. the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal at his office earlier in the morning. Both sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations. While expressing satisfaction on the progress made in different sectors, the Foreign Secretary requested for enlisting Nepal in the skilled category for labour supply to Qatar, provide special access to Nepali products in Qatari markets and extend development cooperation through Qatar Fund for Development.
Later in the afternoon, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. N. P. Saud hosted luncheon to welcome the Qatari delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E Mr. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.
His Excellency, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar and his delegation left for Doha this evening after completing the two-day official visit to Nepal. Foreign Secretary, Mr. Paudyal and other senior officials of the Ministry bade farewell to the dignitaries at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
24 November 2023