“Nepal’s participation in international forums was significant and effective”

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has claimed that Nepal’s presence at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and various international forums was significant and effective.

Talking to reporters upon her arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Friday, Dr Rana said Nepal actively participated in the 79th session of the UNGA and high-level meetings during the past 19 days.

Dr. Rana attended the Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, the UN General Assembly in New York, and the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar.

She said that Nepal’s voice was heard and seen at these multilateral and regional meetings. “Contrary to some domestic criticisms, Nepal’s situation is not dire. We have achieved 47% progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, while some countries are still at 17%. We need to view our situation positively and move forward,” she said.

Addressing concerns about Nepalis in Lebanon, Dr Rana assured that all Nepalis there are safe, and a help desk has been set up at the embassy for those wishing to return home.

At the ministerial meeting of landlocked developing countries, she said landlocked countries need foreign aid, investment, trade promotion and international partnerships in infrastructure development.

Dr Rana informed the Peacebuilding Commission about Nepal’s recently passed transitional justice law and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to sustainable peace. She also expressed Nepal’s commitment to women’s representation, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in various forums.

On the sidelines of the UNGA, Dr Rana signed agreements with Indonesia and Serbia for visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders. In Washington, she signed an agreement establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism between Nepal and the United States.

At the ACD summit in Doha, the Nepali delegation led by Dr Rana held bilateral meetings with deputy prime ministers, foreign ministers and ministers from various countries.