Press Release
The visiting Secretary-General of the United Nations H. E. Mr. Antonio Guterres called on the President Rt. Hon. Mr. Ramchandra Paudel at Shital Niwas today and exchanged views on matters of long-standing partnership between Nepal and the United Nations.
Earlier this afternoon, the Secretary-General had a meeting with Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at his office in Singh Durbar. The Prime Minister fondly recalled his recent meetings with the Secretary-General in Rome and New York and appreciated him for taking time out of his busy schedule for the official visit to Nepal. Prime Minister Rt. Hon. ‘Prachanda’ reiterated Nepal’s unflinching commitment to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and reaffirmed its unwavering faith in multilateralism with the United Nations at the center. He highlighted Nepal’s inclusive and peaceful transition to federal democratic republic and UN’s support to Nepal’s unique and home-grown peace process.
The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister also appreciated the United Nations for its continued support to Nepal’s development efforts, including poverty reduction, education, child and maternal health, gender empowerment, disaster resilience, reducing the impact of climate change, and implementation of sustainable development goals. The Prime Minister also expressed hope for the support of the UN system to Nepal’s graduation from the LDC status.
During the talks, the Secretary-General recalled his earlier visit to Nepal in different capacities and appreciated the Prime Minister for the invitation to visit Nepal. The Secretary-General also acknowledged Nepal’s support to the UN initiatives and programmes, including the long and distinguished contribution to the UN peace operations. Following the meeting, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister and H. E. the Secretary-General briefly addressed the media.
Secretary-General H. E. Mr. Guterres also held a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Mr. Devraj Ghimire this afternoon. Matters relating to Nepal-UN relations were featured during the discussion.
Earlier today, the Secretary-General had separate meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon. Mr. Purna Bahadur Khadka, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Mr. N P Saud in Singh Durbar. Various aspects of Nepal-UN relations and co-operations were discussed during these meetings.
Secretary-General H. E. Mr. Guterres also held separate meetings with former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Party Hon. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Prime Minister and leader of the main opposition Party in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mr. K P Sharma Oli this afternoon.
The Secretary-General also visited Patan Durbar Square, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later this evening, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ hosted an official banquet in honour of the Secretary- General of the United Nations H. E. Mr. Antonio Guterres and his delegation.
The Secretary-General is scheduled to visit the Everest Region and Pokhara tomorrow.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu
29 October 2023