I will take initiative to organize visit of US president to Nepal: Regmi

KATHMANDU: Lokdarshan Regmi, who has been recommended for appointment as the ambassador to the US, has said he would take the needful initiatives to organize the visit of the US President to Nepal.

During his parliamentary hearing at the meeting of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee of parliament on Thursday, Regmi said he has already discussed these matters with the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also claimed that he would contribute to enhancing Nepal’s international stature and economic prosperity.

Regmi, who resigned as the Chief Secrtary shortly before his mandatory retirement, was earlier appointed as Nepal’s ambassador to the United Kingdom but was recalled early. His nomination as ambassador to the US has been seen as compensation for his shortened tenure in London.

The United States has been one of  Nepal’s longstanding partners. However, the collaboration between the two countries has not been optimal, partly due to the inability of the previous ambassadors to effectively represent Nepal’s interests.

Regmi, who has been nominated for the position through political connections rather than merit, has made a bold claim that he can bring the US President to Nepal. “Since Americans know Nepal as a Himalayan nation, the US president could be invited to Nepal for the Sagarmatha Dialogue which is focused on climate change discussions,” Regmi said during his hearing.