Vice-President Yadav and EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo meet

Kathmandu, April 29: European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav today.

The two discussed various dimensions of bilateral relations between Nepal and the EU in the courtesy meeting convened at the Office of the Vice-President at Lainchaur in Kathmandu, according to the Office of the Vice-President. During the meeting, VP Yadav mentioned that Nepal has given high priority to the cordial relationship between Nepal and the EU since 1974.

Acknowledging the EU as one of the major development partners for Nepal, Yadav expressed his confidence that the friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the EU have been further strengthened since the establishment of relations between Nepal and the EU. He also commended the usefulness of the EU-supported programs in several areas of rural development, such as health, education, drinking water and sanitation, among others.

According to him, some of the EU-funded programs in Karnali Province had greatly benefited the rural population in the province. Highlighting the importance of ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’, a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum to be held on May 16-18 this year, the VP apprised the EU envoy that the event aims to hold a global discussion on the pressing issues of modern times such as climate change and its effect on mountainous and coastal countries.

Similarly, EU Ambassador Lorenzo said that the relationship between the EU and Nepal had been further deepening in recent times. According to Lorenzo, the EU was willing to consider investing in environment conservation and climate actions in Nepal, said the Office of the Vice-President.

Stating that the EU has its investment in the renewable energy sector in Madhesh and Karnali Provinces, she shared that the EU was particularly interested in investing in Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project. She also pledged the EU’s support in the education sector in Madhesh Province.