Minister Dr Rana holds key bilateral meetings on sidelines of 8th Indian Ocean Conference

February 17, Kathmandu: During the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference held in Muscat of Oman,  Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings with dignitaries from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Japan among other such dignitaries. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing regional cooperation, and addressing shared challenges.

Minister Dr Rana met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of Bhutan D. N. Dhungyel. The two leaders exchanged views on various aspects of Nepal-Bhutan relations, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering stronger ties between the two Himalayan nations.

In her meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, Minister Dr Rana reviewed the state of Nepal-Sri Lanka relations. The discussions centred on expanding trade relations, enhancing air connectivity, and collaborating on climate justice. Dr Rana specifically requested additional air connectivity between the two countries, including the introduction of direct flights between Colombo and Bhairahawa to facilitate tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Minister Dr Rana also held a productive interaction with MIYAJI Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. She expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support for Nepal’s development initiatives and sought additional assistance for post-landslide and flood reconstruction efforts. Minister Dr Rana emphasized the importance of the timely and effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements, particularly those related to the exchange of trainee and skilled workers between the two countries.

The Indian Ocean Conference, attended by representatives from across the Indian Ocean region, focused on addressing shared challenges and fostering regional cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, and sustainable development.