Current Affairs MOFA BULLETIN - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal
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MOFA BULLETIN
Current Affairs
16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
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 5
C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS 8
D. PROTOCOL AFFAIRS 9
E. SERVICE DELIVERY 11
A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS
CHINESE DEFENSE MINISTER VISITS NEPAL
State Councilor and Defense
Minister of the People’s
Republic of China Mr. Wei
Fenghe paid a one-day
working visit to Nepal on 29
November 2020.
During the visit, Mr. Fenghe
paid courtesy calls on Mrs.
Bidya Devi Bhandari, the
President of Nepal and
Mr. K P Sharma Oli, the Mr. Wei Fenge, State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of
Prime Minister and Defense China and his delegation paying a courtesy call on the President of Nepal
Minister of Nepal.
Both sides exchanged
views on matters of mutual
interest, including the
matters of further promoting
traditionally friendly relations
between Nepal and China.
The visiting dignitary also
met with General Purna
Mr. Wei Fenghe, State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of Chandra Thapa, Chief of the
China paying a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Army Staff of Nepal.
NEPAL AND CHINA ANNOUNCE NEW HEIGHT OF MOUNT SAGARMATHA
Nepal and China jointly meters) amidst a special Affairs and Ms. Padma
announced the new height ceremony on 8 December Kumari Aryal, Minister
of Mount Sagarmatha/ 2020. Mr. Pradeep Kumar for Land Management,
Zhumulangma (8848.86 Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Cooperatives and Poverty
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16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
Alleviation from the Nepali
side and Mr. Wang Yi, State
Councilor and Foreign
Minister, and Mr. Lu Hao,
Minister of Natural Resources
from the Chinese side jointly
unveiled the new height.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives
and Poverty Alleviation Announcing the New Height of Mount Sagarmatha
NEPAL RECEIVES MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FROM CAMOBODIA
Minister for Health and
Population Mr. Hridayesh
Tripathi, on behalf of the
Government of Nepal,
received medical assistance
for combating COVID-19
pandemic from the
Government of Cambodia.
Mr. Ouch Borith, Minister
Attached to the Prime
Minister of Cambodia and
Hand-over of Medical Equipments by Cambodia to Nepal
Standing Secretary of State
of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International hundred thousand fabric during a ceremony organized
Cooperation handed over the face masks, 20 thousand face at the Tribhuvan International
medical supplies, including shields and 20 ventilator Airport on 4 January 2021.
2 million surgical masks, 1 machines, among others,
FOREIGN SECRETARY OF INDIA VISITS NEPAL
At the invitation of Foreign
Secretary of Nepal Mr.
Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign
Secretary of India Shri Harsh
Vardhan Shringla visited
Nepal on 26-27 November
2020. During the visit, the
two foreign secretaries held
bilateral meetings, leading
their respective delegations.
The meeting reviewed The Foreign Secretary of Nepal welcoming the Foreign Secretary of India.
various aspects of Nepal-
India relations covering agriculture, investment, The two sides also reviewed
trade, transit, connectivity, culture, people to people with satisfaction the progress
infrastructure, energy, relations, among others. made with regard to bilateral
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MoFA Bulletin
cooperation projects,
including key connectivity
projects and post-earthquake
reconstruction works. They
also discussed the boundary
matters and exchanged views
on completing boundary
work in the remaining
segments.
Both sides shared their Working luncheon hosted by the Foreign Secretary in honour of visiting
experiences on the efforts Indian Foreign Secretary
made to fight against expressed appreciation to related medical supplies and
Covid-19 pandemic. The the Government of India equipment to Nepal.
Foreign Secretary of Nepal for the support of Covid-19
NEPAL AND CANADA HOLD BILATERAL CONSULTATION MEETING
The second meeting of Nepal-
Canada Bilateral Consultation
Mechanism was held virtually
on 11 December 2020.
Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat
Raj Paudyal and Assistant
Deputy Minister of Global
Affairs of Canada Mr. Paul
Thoppil led their respective
delegations.
Nepal-Canada 2nd Bilateral Consultation Meeting
A wide range of matters
first BCM meeting. people-to-people contacts.
relating to bilateral relations They agreed to continue
and cooperation were Both sides exchanged views
cooperation through various
discussed, while reviewing on trade and investment,
mechanisms in the collective
the progress made since the education, tourism and
fight against the pandemic.
BILATERAL CONSULTATION MECHANISM MEETING BETWEEN NEPAL AND
POLAND
The second meeting of Nepal- Sobkow led their respective trade, investment, technology
Poland Bilateral Consultation delegations. transfer and tourism sectors.
Mechanism was held on 13 In the context of increasing
The two sides exchanged
January 2021 through video- Nepali diaspora in Poland,
views on recent developments
conference. Joint Secretary the two sides also discussed
in both the countries
of Europe and the Americas people to people contacts,
including the challenges
Division of the Ministry cultural and educational
posed by COVID-19,
Mr. Nirmal Raj Kafle, and cooperation, and potential
importance of the exchange
Director of Asia and Pacific employment opportunities.
of high-level visits, economic
at the Ministry of Foreign
partnerships in the area of
Affairs of Poland Mr. Witold
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16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS
MESSAGE BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE
OCCASION OF THE 36TH SAARC CHARTER DAY
Prime Minister K P Sharma mutual understanding and
Oli extended warm greetings cooperation in the region in
and best wishes to all the its journey of thirty-six years.
peoples and Member States of
The Prime Minister stated
the SAARC on the occasion
that while commemorating
of the 36th Charter Day of
the Charter Day, Covid-19
the South Asian Association The Prime Minister
pandemic presents an
for Regional Cooperation
unprecedented challenge
(SAARC). In his message, will and commitment. Giving
affecting not only health and
Prime Minister Oli expressed fresh impetus to the stalled
economy but also social life
that the SAARC Charter SAARC process including
and livelihoods in the region
characterizes South Asia’s through the early convening
and beyond. He said that
shared vision, collective of the Summit can rekindle
the situation underlines the
resolve and mutual pursuit hope among our people and
importance of more concerted
to promote peace, stability provide ground to move
efforts, collaboration and
and prosperity in the region forward, he added.
cooperation among the
through eradication of
Member States of SAARC in The Prime Minister wished
poverty, accelerated economic
order to collectively emerge that the special day will
growth and advancement in
from the pandemic. The Prime inspire all of us to foster
socio-cultural development.
Minister also said that time mutual trust, understanding
He said that SAARC has
has come to move forward and cooperation as well as to
achieved several important
with concrete action in the deepen regional integration
milestones as a common
ground with needed political for peace and prosperity.
forum for promoting
FOREIGN MINISTER LAUNCHES HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2020
Foreign Minister Mr. Pradeep
Kumar Gyawali launched
Human Development Report
2020 amid a special function
organized by UNDP Nepal
on 16 December 2020. On the
occasion, the Foreign Minister
highlighted that the HDI
report 2020 has re-interpreted The Foreign Minister launching Human Development Report 2020
the concept of human
development, incorporating about planetary and social easing planetary pressures as
the issues of climate imbalances, calls for a just a need for whole-of-society
change and environmental transformation that extends response, he stated.
degradation. The report talks human freedoms while
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MoFA Bulletin
FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES THE PROGRAMME “BUILDING RESILIENCE
OF MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES”
Foreign Minister addressed Development and Research mountain and its ecosystem,
the programme “Building Centre on 12 December while underlining the need
Resilience of Mountain 2020. In his address, the for collective actions in
Communities in the face of Foreign Minister stressed building the resilience of
Climate Crisis” organized the disproportionate impact mountain communities.
by Karnali Integrated Rural of climate change on the
FIRST MEETING OF SAARC PLANNING MINISTERS CONCLUDES
The First Meeting of Raj Kandel led Nepali in the socio-economic
the SAARC Planning delegation to the Meeting. development of the region.
Ministers, organized by the
The Ministers and Heads The Meeting adopted the
Government of Pakistan
of Delegation shared their Report of the First Meeting
with the theme, ‘Achieving
experiences pertaining to of the SAARC Planning
the Sustainable Development
the effects of COVID-19 Secretaries held virtually
Goals (SDGs) in South
Pandemic in implementation on 23 November 2020
Asia: Shaping the SAARC
of SDGs in their respective covering matters relating to
Vision-2030’ was held
countries and emphasized contextualization of SDGs at
virtually on 25 November
the collective cooperation the regional level, accelerated
2020. Vice-Chairperson
and collaboration of the implementation of 2030
of the National Planning
Member States to lessen the Development Agenda and
Commission Dr. Pushpa
after-effects of the Pandemic development financing.
FIFTY-EIGHTH SESSION OF PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE OF SAARC
The 58th session of the
Programming Committee of
the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) was convened on
15 December 2020 in virtual
mode. Heads of SAARC
and Representatives from
the Foreign/External affairs
participated in the meeting.
Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat
Raj Paudyal addressed Nepali delegation in the 58th session of the Programming Committee
the inaugural session and
highlighted some important
natural and human resources, Joint Secretary and Head
steps taken by the Association
South Asia holds a high of Regional Organization
for promoting regional
potential for development Division of the Ministry of
integration through trade,
and prosperity, and enhanced Foreign Affairs, Government
finance, transport, power,
regional cooperation and of Nepal, Mr. Bharat
connectivity as well as
deeper economic integration Kumar Regmi chaired the
people-to-people contacts.
is a must to realize this Programming Committee
The Foreign Secretary stated
potential. Meeting.
that blessed with abundant
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16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
BIMSTEC GRID INTER CONNECTION COORDINATION COMMITTEE MEETING
The First Meeting November 2020. The delegates expressed its readiness to
of BIMSTEC Grid from the Member States share its grid interconnection
Interconnection Coordination highlighted the importance with the Member States.
Committee was virtually of grid interconnection in
held in Myanmar on 23 the BIMSTEC region. Nepal
WORKSHOP ON THEMATIC CIRCUITS TOWARD A BIMSTEC 2030 STRATEGY
A Consultation Workshop virtually held in Manila, study report prepared by
entitled “Leveraging Thematic Philippines on 25 November the ADB for the promotion
Circuits Toward a BIMSTEC 2020. Nepali delegation along of tourism in the BIMSTEC
2030 Strategy” jointly with participants from all region.
organized by the BIMSTEC Member States attended the
Secretariat and the Asian workshop. The workshop
Development Bank was deliberated on a preliminary
INFORMAL MEETING OF SENIOR OFFICIALS OF ASIA COOPERATION
DIALOGUE
Informal meeting of senior The Nepali delegation to the Ankara Declaration, draft
officials of Asia Cooperation senior officials’ meeting was guiding principles for the
Dialogue was held virtually led by Joint Secretary and Head functioning of the ACD
on 13 January 2021 for the Secretariat, 3rd ACD Summit,
of Regional Organization
preparation of formal meeting and other related issues.
of senior officials of ACD on 19 Division Mr. Bharat Kumar
January 2021 and Ministerial Regmi. The meeting discussed
Meeting on 21 January 2021. matters relating to draft
SIX-COUNTRY WORKING GROUPS DISCUSS ON COVID-19 AND POVERTY
ALLEVAIATION
The first meeting of
the Working Group on
COVID-19, and the Working
Group on Poverty Alleviation
in the Context of COVID-19
among China, Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka was held at the
level of Director-General/
Joint Secretary of the Foreign
Ministries of respective Head of North East Asia Division leading the Nepali Delegation in the
countries on 6 January 2021 Discussion on Covid-19 and Poverty Alleviation
through a video conference.
political consensus, mutual of North East Asia Division
During the meeting, the
support and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign
Working Group discussed
among the participating Affairs, Nepal led the Nepali
extensively to build back better
countries. delegation comprising officials
from adverse COVID-19
from the Ministry as well as
impacts through strengthened Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Head
relevant line Ministries.
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MoFA Bulletin
C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS
NEAPL’S FOREIGN POLICY 2077
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali speaking on Foreign Policy, 2077
Minister for Foreign Affairs economic contexts. He said Speaking on the occasion,
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali that the long-standing non- Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat
made Nepal’s Foreign aligned policy of Nepal has not Raj Paudyal highlighted
Policy, 2077 public amidst been altered; and the policy various aspects of Nepal’s
a programme organized at addresses the aspiration of the Foreign Policy. He shared that
the Ministry on 6 December country with clear initiatives Foreign Ministry and Nepali
2020. On the occasion, in economic diplomacy and missions abroad would now
Minister Gyawali stated issues of international and focus on the implementation
that Nepal’s Foreign Policy regional concern. The policy of foreign policy.
2077 is a consolidated has established the spirit
form of policies of Nepal’s ‘Amity with all, enmity with Joint Secretary Mr. Bharat
foreign relations that were none’ to steer its international Kumar Regmi, Head of Policy,
sporadically mentioned in relations on the basis of Planning, Development
various documents including sovereign equality, mutual Diplomacy and Nepali
the constitution of Nepal. benefit and respect. Diaspora Division of the
Speaking on the occasion, Ministry made a power point
Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign Policy, 2077 was
presentation on the contents
Mr. Gyawali highlighted endorsed by the Government
of Foreign Policy, 2077.
the needs and relevancy of of Nepal on 20 October 2020.
a unified policy document The policy embodies clear The programme was followed
in foreign affairs to adopt to guidelines on diverse spheres by an interaction with the
the changing political and of foreign policy dimensions. media.
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16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTRY
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali launching the annual report
In line with keeping annual report of the fiscal in the reporting year.
transparency and year 2076/77 amidst a media
The annual report is also
accountability to the briefing on 6 December
available in the website of
activities conducted by the 2020. The annual report
the Ministry of Foreign
Ministry, the Ministry of contains major events
Affairs, Nepal.
Foreign Affairs launched its conducted by the Ministry
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR AMBASSADORS-DESIGNATE
An orientation programme in coordination with the designate participated in
for ambassadors-designate Institute of Foreign Affairs the programme.
was organized by the (IFA) on 17-19 January
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2021. Two ambassadors-
D. PROTOCOL RELATED AFFAIRS
APPOINTMENT OF NEPALI AMBASSADORS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs United Kingdom and South Ambassador-designate to the
carried out necessary works Africa where Mr. Lokdarshan United Kingdom, the United
relating to the appointment Regmi, Dr. Yuba Raj States of America and South
of Nepali Ambassadors to Khatiwada and Dr. Nirmal Africa respectively.
the United States of America, Kumar Biswakarma were
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MoFA Bulletin
AMBASSADORS PRESENT CREDENTIALS
President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bangladesh, Israel, Myanmar out necessary coordination
Bhandari received credentials and Thailand on 3 December and arranged the ceremony.
from foreign ambassadors of 2020. The Ministry carried
The President receiving credentials from the Ambassador of Israel to
Nepal Mr. Hanan Goder-Goldberger
Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Mr. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury
with the President during the credential ceremony
Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal Mr. U Sein Oo being introduced to high-
level government officials after presenting his credentials to the President
1016 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3
The President with the Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal Mr. Vosita Vorasaph,
his wife and the Deputy Chief of Mission in the credential ceremony
E. SERVICE DELIVERY
NON-RESIDENT NEPALI RELATED
S. N. Services (Only from the Ministry) Number
1 Issuance of NRN Cards 13
PASSPORT SERVICES
S. N. Activities Number Remarks
From Districts, Missions
1 Passports issued 35,633
and the Department
71485 Ordinary
51 Diplomatic
Total Number of passports issued (Ac- 81 Official
2
cording to document type) 572 Gratis
20 Travel Document (TD)
72209 Total
Emails responded including social net-
3 986
works
4 Grievance handled 1414
5 Lost passport registered in the Interpol 4777
6 Null and Void Passports 5
7 Feedback Forms Collected 98
Revenue collected (From the Department
8 27,71,84,520/-
only in Rs.)
11MoFA Bulletin
CONSULAR SERVICES
S. N. Details of Services Number
A Consular and Legal Counseling Section
Recommendation for Medical treatment, religious tour and
1 7
others
Recommendation related to India education No Objection
2 316
Certificate
3 Recommendation for Indian pension 3
4 Recommendation for issuing Nepali driving license 12
Recommendation to Indian Embassy for character verifica-
5 69
tion
Recommendation for procurement of chemicals &explo-
6 22
sives
Recommendation to Indian Embassy for issuing vehicle
7 1
permit
8 Correspondences regarding the citizenship renouncement 28
9 Correspondences regarding the Power of Attorney 60
Correspondences regarding authenticity of documents
10 9
issued by Government of Nepal
Correspondences to District Administration Offices regard-
11 168
ing compensation
Correspondences concerning search and rescue of Nepali
12 90
nationals
Correspondences with regards to repatriation of dead body
13 70
of Nepali nationals abroad
B Visa and Exemption
1 Issuance of diplomatic/official/gratis visa 229
2 Issuance of diplomatic/official ID Card 62
3 Number of recommendations for exemption 593
4 Other correspondences and recommendations 700
Number of visa recommendation to the foreign missions on
5 46
Government of Nepal's nominations
C Attestation
1 Number of Documents Attested 34502
2 Revenue Collected from the Department (in Rs) 1,72,51,000/-
Chief Patron: Hon’ble Pradeep Kumar Gyawali Editorial Team
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Bharat Kumar Regmi, Joint Secretary
Patron: Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal Mr. Krishna Chandra Aryal, Under Secretary
Foreign Secretary Ms. Bishnu Kumari Adhikari, Section Officer
12
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Policy, Planning, Development Diplomacy and Nepali Diaspora Division
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: 4200182-185, Fax: 4200061, 4200160, E-mail: ppdo@mofa.gov.np
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