The 9th session of the Nepal-European Union Joint Commission was held today in Kathmandu.
During the meeting, different issues of mutual interest between Nepal and the European Union were discussed. The two side exchanged views on the post earth-quake reconstruction, European Union assisted development programmes in Nepal including the future priorities. They also exchanged views on trade and investment, human rights, refugee issues as well as global issues like Post-15 Development Agenda, international climate change negotiations. The two sides also briefed each other on the significant developments taking place in Nepal and EU. The delegation of the European Union reiterated its view that the promulgation of the new constitution is a historic event marking the beginning of a new democratic era in Nepal. The two delegations also shared views on important regional and global issues.
The Development Sub-Commission meeting between Nepal and the European Union, which took place yesterday at the Ministry of Finance, had held extensive discussions on the European Union assisted development programmes and its future priorities in Nepal.
The Nepalese delegation was led by Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary. His Excellency Ram Mani Pokharel, Nepalese Ambassador to the European Union and senior officials from different Ministries of the Government of Nepal were also in the Nepalese delegation.
Similarly, Mr. Ugo Astuto, Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service led the delegation of the European Union. Her Excellency Rensje Teerink, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Nepal and other senior EU officials were also part of the European Union delegation.
Later today, Mr. Ugo Astuto paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kamal Thapa at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar. Various issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meeting.
November 24, 2015
Kathmandu