Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyeon has said that his government is ready to support Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction.
During a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Sishir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Minister Hyeon said the world community has historical responsibility for the damage done to countries like Nepal due to climate change. He added that Nepal and South Korea should work hand in hand to sensitize other countries about the impacts of climate change, including in global forums like COP. He said South Korea will also raise its voice regarding the financial support that Nepal should get from the international community.
The two ministers also held discussions on the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods. They held detailed discussions on search and rescue efforts for South Korean nationals who went missing after the devastating flood on August 26, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to the South Korean government for deploying an inter-agency rapid response team and a Korean disaster relief team to assist search and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas. He also thanked the South Korean government for providing humanitarian assistance and relief materials for flood victims.
Stating that Nepal has accorded high priority to post-disaster reconstruction, Minister Khanal said reconstruction would be carried out under the build back better approach, with a focus on developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure to minimize damage from future disasters. He also expressed confidence that Nepal would continue to receive support from South Korea in this effort.
