Minister Dr Rana urges direct flights between Nepal and Germany

Kathmandu, July 8: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba met with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul in Berlin, Germany today.

The meeting discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including Nepal-Germany relations, mutual interests and common global concerns.

Dr Rana acknowledged Germany as one of Nepal’s largest and oldest development and trade partners, expressing gratitude for the country’s support in Nepal’s economic, social and other fields since 1961.

She stressed the need for collective efforts to further promote bilateral trade between Nepal and Germany, and encourage and promote networks between the private sectors of both countries. Dr Rana also urged Germany to invest in areas including chemical fertilizer production.

During the meeting, Dr Rana shared Nepal’s ongoing preparations for a smooth and sustainable graduation from a least developed country by 2026. She expressed Nepal’s expectation of continued support in the form of resources, technology and financial support from Germany, the European Union and other partners.

Similarly, she requested Germany’s support for Nepal’s candidacies for key positions in international bodies, especially for membership in the UN Human Rights Council (2027 to 2029), the Economic and Social Council (2029 to 2031) and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2037 to 2038).

In response, German Foreign Minister Wadephul expressed his commitment to support Nepal in these areas.

Germany is Nepal’s second largest tourist source in Europe.

However, Dr Rana noted that Nepal has yet to fully utilise this potential due to the lack of direct air connectivity. She urged direct flights between the two countries to boost tourism and trade.

She also sought Germany’s role in removing the European Union’s aviation safety ban on Nepali airlines, expressing concerns that the ban has seriously affected the promotion of tourism.

Dr Rana informed that the Government of Nepal has tabled two bills in the parliament to restructure the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in line with global best practices, following the recommendations of the EU and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

She urged Germany’s role in facilitating the removal of the ban, to which Minister Wadephul promised to provide all possible assistance.