Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal and Germany held a Political Consultation Meeting in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Issuing a statement, the German Embassy in Kathmandu said Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Erik Kurzweil, Ambassador, Indo-Pacific Policy, South Asia and Afghanistan at the German Federal Foreign Office, led their respective delegations in the meeting. “Several matters related to bilateral ties between the two countries, including the invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel to Germany, Nepal’s graduation from LDC, cooperation in climate change and energy sector, peace process, democracy and social inclusion, cooperation in the cultural field, and visa permits and working status for German NGOs in Nepal were discussed at the consultation meeting,” the embassy said in the statement.
Germany also appreciated Nepal’s stance regarding the invasion of Ukrainian territory by the Russian government, its pledge to democracy, social inclusion and the peace process.
Nepal and Germany has signed a Financial and Technical Cooperation Agreement with a grant totaling 56 million euros for this year. The grant assistance pledges to work in the areas of renewable energy, energy infrastructure, gender equality, maternal care and childcare, quality infrastructure for sustainable economic development, health, and local and provincial economic development, according to the statement.
According to the statement, both sides have made pledges to increase cooperation, find areas of mutual benefits and continue to build a strong partnership.
“Nepal and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1958,” Ambassador Kurzweil said. “Despite the geographical distance, our friendship is strong through shared values of democracy, inclusion, and equality.”
Likewise, Joint Secretary Dhakal said Germany has been a true friend to Nepal. “Their unwavering support, particularly during the devastating earthquake of 2015 and the COVID-19 pandemic, is deeply appreciated by the Nepali people,” Dhakal added.
