Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey has requested the European Union (EU) to lift the restrictions imposed on Nepali airlines to fly in European airspace.
He made the request during a meeting with the delegation led by EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo at the ministry on Friday.
On the occasion, Minister Pandey also recalled the long-standing diplomatic relations between Nepal and the European Union. “We have maintained close relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly five decades ago. The EU is Nepal’s major development partner. We are grateful for the EU’s continuous support in our social and economic development efforts,” he added.
In response, Lorenzo said she was aware of how the EU’s air restrictions have affected Nepal’s tourism sector. She, however, added that Nepal needs to become technically competent. The ambassador also said that they were following the high-level investigation committee on Nepal’s air accidents with great interest.
She also said that the France-based Airbus company was ready to provide any support to Nepal’s civil aviation sector.
