Press Release
The European Commissioner for International Partnerships Her Excellency Ms. Jutta Urpilainen called on Rt Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” at Singha Durbar today. Various matters related to Nepal-EU cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
Also today, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal hosted a working luncheon in honour of the visiting European Commissioner. During the conversation, Hon’ble Foreign Minister stated that the European Union is a major provider of development assistance, most of which comes as a budgetary support. She conveyed the Government of Nepal’s appreciation of the EU’s cooperation in the priority areas of rural development, renewable energy, drinking water, forest and agriculture, among others. Mentioning the Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) strategy adopted by the Government of Nepal in 2021, Hon’ble Foreign Minister highlighted that the Strategy has been put forth to systematically address the twin developmental challenges posed by the adverse impacts of Covid 19 pandemic on the one hand and vulnerability to climate change, on the other.
The EU Commissioner discussed about the new phase of the EU’s cooperation programme for Nepal under Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-27 and the priority areas, including renewable energy, energy security and access to clean energy, water and sanitation as well as human capital development.
The two sides discussed trade and investment as crucial components of Nepal-EU relationship.
Both sides underlined the importance of multilateralism with the United Nations at its centre.
The EU Commissioner is scheduled to call on Rt Hon’ble President later today.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
8 February, 2023