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MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 15 March - 14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singha Durbar, Kathmandu www.mofa.gov.np
MoFA Bulletin Inside This Issue A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS 2 B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS 7 C. POLICY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY 11 D. PROTOCOL RELATED AFFAIRS 13 E. SERVICE DELIVERY 15 A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO INDIA At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba paid an Official Visit to India on 1-3 April 2022. The two Prime Ministers had bilateral meetings on 2 April 2022 in which they took a broad overview of Nepal-India relations in all dimensions with a view to Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba with Mr. Narendra Modi, further enhancing the close Prime Minister of India and cordial ties between the two countries. The two and further strengthening and Kurtha, inaugurated 90- Prime Ministers discussed mutually beneficial bilateral KM long 132 KVDC Solu promoting connectivity cooperation in the power Corridor Transmission Line and infrastructure through sector including through Project built under Indian building of roads, railways, joint development of Line of Credit, witnessed the pipelines, transmission lines power generation projects, progress in the construction and air services. cross-border transmission of 132 health facilities in infrastructure, bi-directional 10 districts of Nepal and On the occasion, a Joint power trade, among others. launched the operation of Vision Statement on RuPAY cards in Nepal. Power Sector Cooperation The two Prime Ministers was issued. The Vision jointly flagged off the The two Prime Ministers Statement recognizes the inaugural passenger railway also witnessed the signing opportunities for expanding service between Jayanagar and exchange of the MOU 2
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 for Enhancing Technical Cooperation in Railway Sector; Agreement for Supply of Petroleum Products between Nepal Oil Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.; Agreement for Sharing Technical Expertise between Nepal Oil Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.; and Meeting between the Prime Minister of Nepal and the Prime Minister of India Framework Agreement of laid wreath at the Samadhi of called on the Prime Minister International Solar Alliance Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Deuba. Both sides (ISA). He also addressed a gathering exchanged views on various Prime Minister Mr. Deuba aspects of Nepal-India of business community in was also called on separately relations. The Prime Minister New Delhi organized by by External Affairs Minister also performed rituals for Confederation of Indian Mr. S. Jaishankar and National Industry (CII) on 02 April. On the construction of an old- Security Advisor Shri Ajit 3 April 2022, Chief Minister age home in the premises of Doval. During the visit, of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Samrajeshwar Pashupatinath Prime Minister Mr. Deuba Adityanath welcomed and Nepali Mandir in Lalitaghat. STATE COUNCILOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF CHINA VISITS NEPAL At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi paid an official visit to Nepal on 25-27 March 2022. During the visit, the State Councilor Mr. Wang Yi paid a President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari with State Councilor and Minister courtesy call on the President of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari Nepal-China relations were Chinese State Councilor on 27 March 2022 during discussed. also paid courtesy call on which various matters of the Prime Minister Mr. Sher 3
MoFA Bulletin trust and confidence and to further consolidate Nepal- China relations. Both sides reaffirmed their support to each other in safeguarding of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence. Following the bilateral talks, the two Foreign Ministers State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Wang Yi handing over the model key to Foreign Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka witnessed the signing and Bahadur Deuba on 26 March underscored the importance exchange of nine Agreements 2022. On the occasion, Mr. of the exchange of high-level and Memorandum of Wang Yi handed over a model visits on a regular basis in Understanding between the key of Pokhara Regional order to strengthen mutual two countries. International Airport to the Foreign Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka amidst a special ceremony held to mark the completion of the construction of the Airport. The two Foreign Ministers held delegation-level talks on 26 March 2022 during which they discussed and exchanged views on overall aspects Foreign Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka and State Councilor and of Nepal-China relations Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Yi during the delegation-level talks and cooperation. They also VIRTUAL MEETING BETWEEN THE SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEPAL AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA Speaker of the House of of the People’s Republic of Nepal-China relations and Representatives Mr. Agni China Mr. Li Zhanshu on 8 underscored the need to Prasad Sapkota had a virtual April 2022. have frequent exchanges of meeting with Chairman of the During the meeting, the high-level visits between Standing Committee of the two sides exchanged views the parliaments of two National People’s Congress on various aspects of countries. Senior officials 4
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 of the Federal Parliament Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Nepali side and Chairpersons of various committees of National People’s Congress and Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Chinese side were also present during the virtual meeting. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Agni Prasad Sapkota and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Li Zhanshu during the virtual meeting NEPAL ESTABLISHED BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU AND BELIZE Ambassador Mr. Amrit Communiqué on 21 March Fuller, OBE signed a Joint Bahadur Rai, Permanent 2022 establishing diplomatic Communiqué establishing Representative of Nepal relations between Republic of diplomatic relations between to the United Nations and Palau and Nepal. the two countries. Ambassador Ms. Ilana Similarly, on 1 April 2022 The number of countries Victorya Seid, Permanent Ambassador Mr. Rai and having diplomatic relations Representative of the the Ambassador/Permanent with Nepal has reached 176. Republic of Palau to the Representative of Belize to the United Nations signed a Joint United Nations Mr. Carlos C. Permanent Representatives of Nepal and the Republic of Palau and Belize exchanging the Joint Communiqué respectively JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL FOR COOPERATION IN FERTILIZERS The First and Second of Urea and DAP to Nepal 2022 respectively. The meeting of the Joint Steering from India was held virtually Nepali delegation was led by Committee on the supply on 16 March and 11 May Dr. Kamal Raj Gaire, Joint 5
MoFA Bulletin Secretary of Ministry of Consignment-wise Supply The State Trading Entities– Agriculture and Livestock and pricing of Urea and Krishi Samagri Company Development, Government DAP to Nepal on prevailing Limited of Nepal and M/s of Nepal, and the Indian Import Parity Price (IPP) Rashtriya Chemicals and delegation was led by Ms. Fertilizer Limited (RCF) of was discussed. Also, Aparna S. Sharma, Joint India, have been mandated information was exchanged Secretary of Ministry of regarding the nomination by the JSC to finalize the Chemicals and Fertilizers, of State Trading Entities. financial contracts. Government of India. TENTH NEPAL-INDIA JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING ON KOSHI AND GANDAK PROJECTS The Tenth Nepal-India Joint and Indian delegation was led due to Koshi and Gandak Committee Meeting on by Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Projects; erosion of flood Koshi and Gandak Projects Secretary, Water Resources embankments on upstream as (JCKGP) was held in Patna, Department, Government of well as downstream sides of India on 12-13 April 2022. Bihar, India. Koshi Barrage; operation of gates in Western Main Canal; The Nepali delegation was The meeting discussed various maintenance of western led by Mr. Susheel Chandra matters relating to operation main canal service road Acharya, Director General and maintenance of Koshi and (Nepal side), inundation of of the Department of Water Gandak Projects including agricultural land, payment of Resources and Irrigation of outstanding compensations land tax, among others. the Government of Nepal of land and crop damages INCOMING VISITS • US Deputy Assistant Bahadur Deuba. During and Latin America of Secretary Ms. Kelly the meeting, both sides Millennium Challenge Keiderling visited Nepal exchanged views on Corporation Mr. Jonathan on 18-21 April 2022. various aspects of Nepal- Buooks visited Nepal on This visit took place in United States relations and 25-30 April 2022 and met continuation of exchanges cooperation. Likewise, with the Prime Minister of official visits between the US delegation called Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba the two countries on the on Minister for Foreign and Minister for Foreign occasion of 75th year of Affairs Dr. Narayan Affairs Dr. Narayan diplomatic relations. Khadka and exchanged Khadka. Mr. Brooks views on the longstanding expressed satisfaction • US Congressional US cooperation to Nepal’s over the ratification Delegation led by Senator development endeavors of the MCC compact Ms. Kirsten Gillibrand and strengthening of the by the Nepal’s Federal visited Nepal on 22- bilateral relations. Parliament. Both sides 24 April 2022. Senator Gillibrand and the team • A delegation led by discussed coming steps paid a courtesy call on Deputy Vice President in the implementation of Prime Minister Mr. Sher for Europe, Asia, Pacific MCC projects. 6
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS PRESIDENT ADDRESSES THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA 2022 President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari addressed the Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia 2022 through a video message on 21 April 2022. In her address, the President laid emphasis on the solidarity among countries for the control and prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari addressing the Annual Conference 2022 of the Boao Forum for Asia economic recovery. made an appeal to the world held from 20 to 22 April 2022 Underlining the important community to come up with in Boao, Hainan Province of lesson drawn from the the generous packages for China, under the theme of pandemic, the President the economic recovery of “The World in COVID-19 & stressed the need to invest developing countries like Beyond: Working Together in innovative and quality Nepal. for Global Development and health education as well as Shared Future”. in the development of health The Annual Conference of infrastructures. She also the Boao Forum for Asia was FIFTH BIMSTEC SUMMIT 2022 Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba participated virtually in the Fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi- Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 30 March 2022. Speaking during the Summit, he stressed the The Prime Minister addressing the Fifth BIMSTEC Summit virtually need to breathe new life into Member States. He stated its part to address the long BIMSTEC by pooling the that BIMSTEC must do term economic, social, and strengths of resources of its 7
MoFA Bulletin Instruments signing ceremony developmental consequences Criminal Matters’ and the The Summit was convened of the COVID-19 pandemic ‘Memorandum of Association under the theme ‘BIMSTEC and ensure that the region on the Establishment – Towards a Resilient Region, builds back better. of Technology Transfer Prosperous Economies, Facility in Colombo’ on Healthy Peoples’. The He further stated that our race behalf of the Government Chairmanship of BIMSTEC, to resilience must start with a of Nepal. Similarly, Joint which was held by Sri Lanka green, flexible, and inclusive Secretary and Head of for the last three and a half recovery plan. The Prime Regional Organization years, has now been handed Minister dubbed Buddhism Division at the Ministry over to Thailand. as a strong connecting thread in the region and called for an early operationalization of the Buddhist circuit connecting Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The Summit adopted the BIMSTEC Charter following a virtual signing ceremony. Prime Minister Mr. Deuba signed the Charter on behalf of Nepal. The Summit Foreign Minister Addressing the 18th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting also endorsed three new Prior to the Summit, the instruments. Minister for Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari 18th BIMSTEC Ministerial Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan signed the ‘Memorandum Meeting was held on 29 March Khadka, who participated of Understanding on the 2022 in Colombo. Speaking in the Summit in-person Mutual Cooperation between during the Meeting, Minister in Colombo, signed the Diplomatic Academies/ for Foreign Affairs Dr. ‘BIMSTEC Convention on Training Institutions of Narayan Khadka stressed the Mutual Legal Assistance in BIMSTEC Member States’. 8
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 need of renewed commitment and concerted actions from all Member States to revitalize the BIMSTEC process. While in Colombo, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC meetings, Foreign Minister Khadka paid courtesy calls on President of Sri Lanka Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mr. Foreign Minister with the President of Sri Lanka Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Mahinda Rajapaksa. He also had bilateral meetings with Momen, Foreign Minister of preparations for the 18th Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Bangladesh. Ministerial Meeting and the Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Fifth Summit. Joint Secretary The 22nd BIMSTEC Senior Dr. S. Jaishankar, External of Regional Organization Officials Meeting held on 28 Affairs Minister of India, Division at the Ministry March in Colombo reviewed of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and the overall progress made Ghanshyam Bhandari led Minister of Foreign Affairs of in implementing BIMSTEC the Nepali delegation to the Thailand, and Dr. A. K. Abdul decisions and finalized the Meeting. MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE CHAMPION COUNTRIES ON THE GLOBAL COMPACT ON SAFE, ORDERLY MIGRATION Dr. Narayan Khadka, Minister for Foreign Affairs virtually addressed the Ministerial Meeting of the Champion Countries of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly Migration (GCM) held on 25 March 2022 in Rabat, Morocco. In the pre-recorded address, the Minister underlined Nepal’s commitment to GCM Minister of Foreign Affairs addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the Champion Countries of the GCM and highlighted that the partnership and cooperation are indispensable. Foreign international community for with destination countries, Minister Dr. Khadka the realization of the vision regional and consultative also reiterated Nepal’s of safe, orderly, and regular groups, and other entities commitment to work with the migration. 9
MoFA Bulletin NEPAL PARTICIPATES IN THE UN HIGH LEVEL MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON NEW URBAN AGENDA Minister for Urban Development Ms. Ram Kumari Jhakri attended the UN high-level Meeting of the General Assembly to Assess the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda, held in New York on 28 April 2022. In her address, the Minister expressed Nepal’s commitment to working Minister for Urban Development speaking at the UN high-level Meeting of the with the international General Assembly to Assess the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda community for the effective implementation of the New Sustainable Development President of the UN General Urban Agenda by building Goals as well as climate Assembly and featured resilient and sustainable cities goals. The one-day high-level several Ministers and other as an enabler for achieving meeting was organized by the high-level speakers. THIRD BIMSTEC ENERGY MINISTERIAL MEETING The Third BIMSTEC Energy Ministerial Meeting was held virtually in and from Kathmandu on 20 April 2022. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Ms. Pampha Bhusal chaired the Meeting. The Meeting approved the establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Coordination Committee (BGICC) to implement the provisions of the MoU for the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Ministers and Leaders of Delegations in the Energy Ministerial Meeting Interconnection and its their preparatory activities in potentials of energy trade in Terms of Reference (ToR). organizational and procedural the region. It also urged the Member States to further intensify matters in realizing the 10
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 The Meeting was preceded Officials’ Meeting held on 19 Karki, Secretary (Energy), by the Fifth BIMSTEC Senior April 2022. Mr. Debendra chaired the Meeting. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION VISITS NEPAL Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyseus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) visited Nepal from 21 to 23 April 2022. He was accompanied by Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South East Asia Region, and other officials of WHO. During the visit, Dr. Tedros called on the President Director General of the WHO during the call on with the President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari, Health and Population Mr. inclusion of a nation-wide the Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Birodh Khatiwada. Dr. Tedros new vaccine campaign against Chairperson of National lauded Nepal’s achievement Typhoid into the routine Assembly Mr. Ganesh Prashad in reducing maternal and immunisation programme, Timilsina, the Minister for child mortality and for being the first of its kind in the Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan a pioneer in several health South East Asia Region of Khadka, and the Minister for initiatives including the WHO. C. POLICY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY INTERACTION PROGRAMMES ON EXPORT AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION The Ministry held an Trade and Export Promotion encouraged the private interaction programme Centre, Federation of sectors and Nepali missions focusing on export trade Export Entrepreneur to work in coordination for promotion among the Nepal, Federation of enhancing Nepal’s trade. government agencies, Nepali Nepalese Chamber of Likewise, on 3-4 May 2022, missions abroad and the Commerce and Industries, the Ministry organized an private sectors in a hybrid Confederation of Nepalese interaction programme model on 19 April 2022. Industries, and associations on investment promotion. Ambassadors/Heads of the producing exportable Nepali Representatives from Nepali Missions aboard, products participated in the Ministry of Industry, representatives from the the programme. Speaking Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Industry, on the occasion, Foreign Ministry of Energy, Water Commerce and Supplies, Minister Dr. Narayan Khadka Resources and Irrigation, 11
MoFA Bulletin Interaction Programme on Investment Promotion Investment Board Nepal, Producers’ Association Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Department of Industries, Nepal and Nepali missions Paudyal stated that Nepali Federation of Nepalese abroad participated in the Missions can play an Chamber of Commerce and important role in developing programme. Industries, Confederation database of potential investors of Nepalese Industries Speaking at the interaction and connect them with and Independent Power programme, Foreign relevant authorities in Nepal. INTERACTION PROGRAMME ON REMITTANCE On 10 April 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a virtual interaction programme between the Ministry of Finance and Nepali missions abroad. Finance Minister Mr. Janardan Sharma and other officials from Ministry of Finance Minister Speaking at the Interaction Programme on Remittance Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Nepal Rastra Bank the current status of Nepali the role of Nepali missions and Ambassadors/Heads of economy. Speaking on in encouraging Nepali the Nepali missions abroad various incentives provided Diasporas to send money participated the programme. by the Government of Nepal through formal channel. on remittance received He also stressed the need to During the interaction through formal channel, attract foreign investment in programme, Finance Minister the Minister emphasized on order to fulfil resource gap. Mr. Sharma highlighted 12
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 INTERACTION PROGRAMME ON NEPAL’S FOREIGN POLICY The Ministry of Foreign highlighted major challenges the program, Mr. Deepak Affairs organized an and opportunities of Nepal’s Dhital, former Ambassador/ interactive program on foreign policy and diplomacy. Permanent Representative of ‘Nepal’s Foreign Policy and On the occasion, Foreign Nepal to the United Nations in Diplomacy on 30 April 2022. Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Geneva made a presentation Paudyal shed light on recent on Economic Diplomacy. During the program, activities and achievements Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Ministry. During Dr. Narayan Khadka Interaction Programme on Nepal’s Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy D. PROTOCOL RELATED AFFAIRS President Mrs. Bidya Devi non-residential ambassadors Dominican Republic amid a Bhandari received the of Austria, Hungary, function held at Sital Niwas credentials from the foreign Argentina, Canada and on 11 April 2022. Mrs. Katharina Wieser, Ambassador of Austria to Nepal presenting her credentials to the President 13
MoFA Bulletin The President with Mr. Andras Laszlo Kiraly, Ambassador of Hungary (on the right), during the Credential Ceremony The President with Mr. Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of Argentina to Nepal during the Credential Ceremony Mr. Cameron Dean Mackay, Ambassador of Canada to Nepal presenting his credentials to the President 14
15 March -14 May 2022 | Volume 6, Issue 5 The President with Mr. David Emmanuel Puig Buchel, Ambassador of Dominican Republic (on the right) during the credential ceremony E. SERVICE DELIVERY RELATED INFORMATION NON-RESIDENT NEPALI S. N. Services (from the Ministry) Number 1 Issuance of NRN Cards 24 PASSPORT S. N. Services Number Remarks From Districts, Missions 1 Passports issued 1,74,159 and the Department 4,380 Ordinary 92 Diplomatic Total number of MRP passports issued 116 Official 2 (According to document type) 23 Gratis Ordinary 14 Travel Document (TD) 4,625 Total 3 E-passport issued 1,69,534 Emails responded including through 4 1980 social media Verification of Citizenship records and 5 790 letters of in-approval Revenue collected (From the Department 6 77,91,29,500/- of Passport only in NRs.) 15
MoFA Bulletin CONSULAR S. N. Services Number A Consular Activities and Legal Counselling Recommendations for medical treatment, religious tour and 1 8 others 2 Issuances of No Objection Certificate for education 152 3 Recommendations for issuing Nepali driving license 2 4 Recommendations for character verification 94 Recommendations for procurement of chemicals & 5 15 explosives 6 Correspondences regarding the citizenship renouncement 10 7 Correspondences regarding Power of Attorney 35 Correspondences concerning search and rescue of Nepali 8 61 nationals Correspondences with regards to repatriation of dead body 9 42 of Nepali nationals from abroad B Visa and Exemption 1 Issuances of diplomatic/official/gratis visa 135 2 Issuances of diplomatic/official ID Card 86 3 Issuances of recommendation letters for exemption 779 4 Other correspondences and recommendations 369 Number of visa recommendations to the foreign missions 5 176 on Government of Nepal's nominations C Attestation 1 Number of documents attested 61,720 Revenue collected from the Department of Consular 2 3,14,61,000/- Services (NRs.) Chief Patron: Hon’ble Dr. Narayan Khadka Editorial Team Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Bharat Kumar Regmi, Joint Secretary Patron: Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal Ms. Rita Dhital, Under Secretary Foreign Secretary Ms. Bishnu Kumari Adhikari, Section Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs Policy, Planning, Development Diplomacy and Nepali Diaspora Division 16 Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: 4200182-185, Fax: 4200061, 4200160, E-mail: ppdo@mofa.gov.np This Bulletin is also available at http://www.mofa.gov.np
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