Submit your Article

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a bilateral meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in New Delhi today on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways for further strengthening Nepal-Ukraine relations and promoting cooperation, according to Minister Rana's Private Secretariat.

Minister Rana urged Ukraine to facilitate the release and repatriation of seven Nepali citizens held as Prisoners of War by Ukrainian soldiers.

According to her, although Nepal has no policy to allow its citizens to join the Russian army, it was later learned that Nepalis were recruited in the Russian army through human traffickers.

In response, Sybiha expressed his commitment to release the Nepali prisoners of war after completing the necessary legal process.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Rana sought the Ukrainian government's support in Nepal's candidacy for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027 to 2029.

Meanwhile, both nations signed an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has reached New Delhi, the capital city of India, on Thursday afternoon on a visit.

According to her secretariat, the foreign minister reached New Delhi following her prayers and worships at Baba Baidhyanath Dham in Jharkhand, India.

Upon her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Munu Mahawar and Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr Shanker Sharma had welcomed Minister Rana.

During her visit, Minister Rana is scheduled to participate in the Raisina Dialogue programme organized by The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi from March 17 to 19 in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Additionally, she will address separate sessions titled 'Status and Problems of Climate Change and What the South wants?' on behalf of Nepal, apart from addressing the 'Digital Public Infrastructure Conclave'.

Moreover, Minister Rana is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with her Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and counterparts from other friendly countries, her secretariat informed.

Prime Ministers, foreign ministers, leaders and policy makers from various countries across the world will participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today.

During the meeting, Minister Rana reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. She highlighted Nepal's significant progress in human rights as exemplary despite limited means and resources.

She briefed the High Commissioner that the Constitution of Nepal has guaranteed civil liberties as well as political, economic, social and cultural rights of the citizens as fundamental rights, reiterating the country's dedication to democratic values, rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

Similarly, she expressed Nepal's determination to conclude the transitional justice process soon, informing about ongoing efforts to draft a law aimed at completing the remaining work of the peace process.

Foreign Minister Rana was accompanied by Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Head of the UN Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ram Prasad Subedi, Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Rajendra Thapa, Joint Secretary at the Human Rights and International Treaty Agreements Division of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday morning.

In the meeting, Minister Rana highlighted the priorities of the Government of Nepal in the energy sector and informed that hydropower, solar power, wind power, hybrid of solar and hydro, green hydrogen development are the mainstays of Nepal’s strategies in the energy sector, the Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman said.

She added that collaboration in the energy sector between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman could bring mutual benefits to both nations.

Minister Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi stressed on the necessity to switch from fossil fuels to greener forms of energy for sustainable development and emphasized the need for collaboration with friendly nations like Nepal to achieve the goals set under the Oman Vision 2040.

He further maintained that the proposed MOU between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman in the field of energy cooperation would open up new vistas of opportunities.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with Salim bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mahroqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday afternoon at the latter’s office where matters pertaining to bilateral relations between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman were discussed, stated a press release issued by the Embassy on February 19.

The Minister elaborated on the potential of tourism in Nepal and emphasized on joint collaboration in the field of adventure tourism apart from other sectors of tourism.

The Heritage and Tourism Minister of the Sultanate of Oman welcomed the Nepali delegation and expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations existing between the two countries.

He added that the MOU in the field of Tourism cooperation will augment opportunities for enhanced cooperation for businesses of both the countries.

Both the Ministers signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of Tourism Cooperation” on behalf of their respective governments.

Foreign Minister and the Nepali delegation arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on February 14 to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Conference and hold bilateral meetings.

During her stay in Oman, she held thirteen bilateral meetings, concluded two MOUs, held a virtual meeting with Nepali Ambassadors and diplomats in GCC countries, and interacted with the representatives of the Oman-based Nepali Community, the press release noted.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said the Ministry is constantly following up on the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal and the developments thereafter.

Foreign Minister Rana has made it clear through social media X today that necessary initiatives are being taken to understand the condition of Nepali students in the hostels of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India and to provide a safe environment for Nepali students in the college.

"Two senior officials of Nepal Police from the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi have reached the university this morning. I spoke to them on the phone and directed them to coordinate with the Indian security personnel for necessary investigation into the incident and with the university administration for necessary assistance to the Nepali students and their safe stay in the hostel. The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi is already taking necessary initiatives in this regard," she said.

Foreign Minister Rana has made it clear that following the diplomatic efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately after getting the information, the college has appealed to the students to return to the hostel while the university has also informed through a public notice that action has been taken against the 'staff' who abused Nepali students.

In the context of this development, Foreign Minister Rana said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi are working in close coordination with the university administration and the Indian security officials.

Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba.

The Foreign Minister and Japan's Minister of State who are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the '8th Indian Ocean Conference' held the bilateral meeting today.

 During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual interests. On the occasion, the Minister recognized Japan as one of the major development partners, contributing to Nepal's development in the socio-economic sectors.

The two also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026. Matters relating to the likely exchange of high-level visits between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

On the occasion, the Minister expected the necessary support from the Government of Japan in the aftermath of the endorsement of working procedure regarding Nepal-Japan last year's agreement to hire skilled workforce from Nepal for the upcoming five years.

The Minister also utilized the opportunity to call on the Government of Japan to assist Nepal in the reconstruction of the BP Highway that was significantly damaged by the September (2023) rains.

Foreign Minister Rana urged Japan for its cooperation to connect Japan with the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport with direct flights.

The extension of the direct flight between Nepal and Japan (Narita-Kathmandu) to Lumbini will be beneficial for Japanese citizens aspiring to visit Lumbini, enhancing cultural ties between Nepal and Japan. In response, the Japanese Minister said he would respond to the call after a feasibility evaluation.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues of Nepal-UAE relations along with labour, tourism and economic development and the needed cooperation for climate change risk mitigation.

On the occasion, Minister Rana thanked the government of UAE for providing employment to Nepal's labour force, Minister Rana's personal secretariat said.

Likewise, the State Minister of the UAE appreciated the immense contribution of Nepalis in socio-economic development of the UAE Likewise, they held talks on deepening cooperation on tourism, economic development and trade as well as the future possibilities for investments.

Minister Rana's secretariat shared that Minister Rana proposed to State Minister Sayegh to begin direct flights from Dubai to Pokhara International Airport.

In response, the state minister has promised to begin technical study and advance the plans for direct flights.

Likewise, she extended an invitation to the UAE for the participation in the Sagarmatha Sambaad to be held in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May by stating that the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ is to discuss pressing issues of regional and global importance including the climate change.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests and mutual benefits, as well as scholarships for Nepali students and skilled technical manpower in Qatar.

On the occasion, Minister Rana urged Minister Muraikhi to help in the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is under the control of the Hamas group.

Foreign Minister Rans praised the role played by the Qatari government in brokering a ceasefire and peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas, and called for a special initiative for the release of Bipin, who is under the control of Hamas.

Earlier, Minister Rana had made the same request in a phone call with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

Khulaifi is the chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas.

The Nepal government has been making diplomatic efforts for Bipin's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been urging for Bipin's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Bipin was abducted by the Hamas group in an attack on Israeli soil in October 2023. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the construction of the six-lane Chisapani-Gaddachauki road section of the East-West Mahendra Highway will start soon.

Inaugurating the newly constructed administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality in Kailali today, Minister Rana said that a survey is being conducted for the construction of six lanes from Chisapani in Kailali to Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur in view of the pressure of vehicles.

"Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah is taking the initiative to make the highway six-lane. The highway is currently being surveyed. Work on the construction of the six-lane road will begin soon," Minister Rana said.

The Minister expressed her confidence that the administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality would facilitate the residents of the city to avail integrated services.

Foreign Minister Rana further argued that the government is serious about the overall development of the agricultural sector in the region, adding that she is excited to see the development construction at the local level.

Minister Rana today inaugurated the newly constructed party office of Nepali Congress Kailali Region No. 2 and Lamkichuha Municipal Committee as well. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held telephonic conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Rana held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to take initiative for Joshi's release.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the topic of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.

Hamas has started releasing people under its captivity after the ceasefire between it and the Israeli government.

The government has continued with the diplomatic initiatives for the safe release of Joshi from Hamas' confinement.

In this connection, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Deuba had held telephonic talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister as well last week, urging for support for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba has been requesting Qatar and Egypt that had been mediating with Hamas for peace talks ever since efforts were made for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas for taking special initiative for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister some weeks back on this topic. Similarly, Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Prof Dr Dhana Prasad Pandit, also in telephonic conversation with the Israeli President some days back, had urged for Joshi's release.

The government has continued the diplomatic initiatives for securing Joshi's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been making diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Foreign Minister Arjun Rana Deuba today held a telephonic conversation with her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, requesting the latter for an initiation to free Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi who has been held by Hamas in Gaza for 15 months.

Following a ceasefire deal between the government of Israel and Hamas, the Hamas has started freeing hostages beginning Sunday.

The Foreign Minister urged Egypt, which is facilitating the ceasefire negotiations, to prioritize Joshi’s release in the first phase.

The Minister who is presently in Bangkok for her medical checkup made the call from there.

In response, the Egyptian Minister assured that he would direct Egypt’s facilitators to work toward Joshi’s release.

A few days ago, Rana also spoke with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, requesting their intervention in setting the Nepali hostage free in the initial phase.

Khulaifi plays a key role in the Israel-Hamas peace talks.

The Nepali government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts since last year, seeking Bipin’s release.

The Foreign Minister has been appealing through various international and regional forums, as well as the United Nations, to facilitate for ensuring Bipin's release.

Kathmandu, Jan 3: Minster for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, paid tributes to former US President and Nobel Laureate, Jimmy Carter, by expressing grief over his demise.

Reaching the US Embassy in Kathmandu today, Foreign Minister Rana signed the Book of Condolence opened in memory of former President Carter.

She extended heartfelt condolence on the behalf of the government, the people of Nepal and her own on the passing of Carter.

The Foreign Minister said Carter was a true friend and well-wisher of Nepal as well as exemplary figure in philanthropy, peace and democracy.

"Carter's contributions were widely admired for their lasting impact on upholding human rights and democratic values. His legacy of peace, benevolence will forever be cherished and will continue to serve as an inspiration to the people around the world", writes Minister Rana.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana is set to leave for Beijing on November 28.

Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing to prepare for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to China from November 17.

Foreign Minister Rana will welcome the Prime Minister in Beijing on November 17.

The Foreign Minister’s press adviser Ekraj Pathak informed that Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing for the preparation of Prime Minister Oli’s visit to China.

Though Foreign Minister Rana is preparing for a formal visit to China, the invitation has not come yet, Pathak said.

A source at the Prime Minister's Office, however, said that Foreign Minister Rana will reach Beijing on November 13.

The source said that Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing via Tokyo.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has said it is obvious that the least developed and mountainous countries like Nepal are facing severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change.

"But the global climate agenda and climate processes are yet to sufficiently reflect the plight of developing and mountainous countries," she said while attending wrap up of New York Times- Nepal Republic Media Climate Conclave as the Chief Guest today.

The event was held with the theme of ‘The call of Mt. Everest for Global Climate Action’ and the Minister expressed accolades to the organizers also for choosing to highlight a theme that has threatened the very existence of planet and the humanity.

The theme embodies the clarion call from both a least developed and a mountainous nation for commensurate climate action and climate justice, she said. "We are talking about climate crisis today on the heels of catastrophic floods and landslides that devastated central region of Nepal barely a month ago," the Foreign Minister said, adding that these disasters were evidently the result of an extreme weather event, as the rainfall in many places during the fateful three days amounted to as much as half of the total rainfall Nepal receives throughout the monsoon.

She appraised the gathering that as a result of such disasters, Nepal had to bear a tragic loss of more than 250 lives, in addition to the same number of people in the preceding period of the rainy season. "We are yet to fully appraise the damage to our roads, bridges, hydroelectricity projects, and other public and private property," the Minister added.

She went on to say that scientific community, in particular through the IPCC reports, has unanimously attested that such extreme weather and climate events are caused by global warming and climate change. "It is a matter of gross injustice to Nepal, and similar other nations, with a negligible contribution to Global greenhouse gas emissions to be the victims of such climate disasters." Reminding the assessment of UN Secretary General António Guterres that ‘terrible impact of the climate crisis in the Himalayas’ during his visit to Nepal last October, the Foreign Affairs Minister said this assessment was based on his tour to the Everest and Annapurna Regions, where he witnessed the grim realities of unfolding crisis in the mountain lives and ecosystem. "At this juncture, I recall and re-emphasize his urgent appeal to the international community to ‘move forward with climate action’. "I also echo the distinguished speakers’ call this morning for the urgent need of climate justice.

The developed countries, whose actions precipitated the climate crisis, must provide adequate resources, technology and other supports to the developing countries for their adaptation and resilience building." The promises, from the UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement to the annual CoPs, have been aplenty, but the delivery has been sorely wanting, the Minister said.

She stressed that all climate finance commitments must be met and up-scaled, keeping in mind the need to invest 5-7 trillion dollars annually to green the economy by 2030. "There must be adequate grant based and concessional resources for developing countries to meet their needs for adaptation and resilience building." She sought that all climate funds and facilities, including the loss damage fund that was operationalized from COP28, must be adequately capitalized and their resources should be easily accessible to the developing countries.

The upcoming COP29 in Baku should be an opportunity to take stock and to make concrete progress on all tracks of the climate agenda. For COP29, we are making preparations for effective participation by reiterating the concerns, needs and priorities of climate vulnerable countries, mountain countries and also as the chair of LDCs, the Minister apprised the gathering.

As she shared with them on the occasion, Nepal will underscore the need of easy, smooth, predictable and adequate access to climate finance for the most vulnerable and poor countries.

As underscored by the British Ambassador in today’s event, I agree on the need of collaboration between Global south and Global north to fight global warming and climate change and to ensure climate justice. In particular, without the generous resource and technological support of the north, the countries in the south will not able to weather this crisis, she said. "I also appreciate the New York Times for its extensive coverage on the climate change issues.

Stephen’s made an insightful analysis on the implications of climate change in the global economy, energy transformation, and society and world order as a whole. I believe that the role of media is crucial in the internationalization as well as raising awareness regarding the intensifying climate change impacts and incorporating the voice of the voiceless," she stated. She added that in the COP28 last year in United Arab Emirates, Nepal promoted the mountain agenda to bring awareness of the impacts of climate change in the mountain ecosystem and communities.

Turning to our national plans, the recently implemented 16th Development plan of Nepal includes internationalization of the issues of climate change as an important policy strategy and has prioritised climate diplomacy.

It incorporates programmes to enhance access to climate financing to implement climate change adaptation and mitigation plans to meet our financial and technological gaps, according to Minister Rana. "Similarly, we are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2045.We are utilizing our vast hydropower potentials to secure clean energy and have already reached 45 percent forest cover in our total area. Global warming and climate change transcend borders, and yet their effects and impacts have varied across regions," she said.

That is why, the Government of Nepal decided in April 2019 to organise Sagarmatha Sambad, a forum meant to discuss on the most pertinent issues of the time in the fields of environment, economy, and other socio-cultural fields.

However, we have not been successful to organise one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing issues since then. Now, we are working to organise this dialogue in 2025. "Finally, let me reiterate that the discussions today were lively and enlightening with strong call for the global climate action. I believe that they will be really helpful as we prepare for the COP29 as well as in our climate negotiations. I wish that such discussions were held more frequently and that our problems and challenges get the limelight they deserve," she concluded.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba had a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, on the sidelines of the Third ACD Summit in Doha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Rana held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Summit. The Ministry stated that discussions were focused on various aspects of Nepal-Myanmar relations.

Addressing the Third ACD Summit in Doha on Thursday, Minister Rana stated that Nepal strongly values multilateralism and regional cooperation as pillars of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on the sidelines of Third Summit of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha on Wednesday.

Discussions were focused on cordial and cooperative Nepal-UAE relations and cooperation in various areas including trade, tourism, investment, air connectivity and foreign employment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.