Conference helped strengthen relations with Indian Ocean: Minister Khanal

Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the 9th Indian Ocean Conference has provided Nepal with an important opportunity to strengthen further diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Indian Ocean.

Speaking at a press meet held at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today upon arrival home after participating in the conference held in Port Louis, Mauritius, Minister Khanal said that during the conference, Nepal emphasised the need for rules-based maritime governance, common solutions to the challenges of climate change, and coordinated and common efforts for sustainable and resilient development.

He also said that the issues of special concern of Nepal as a landlocked country were shared with the international community, while pointing out the need to prioritise regional cooperation and partnership in expanding maritime access and relations.

During the visit, Minister Khanal held separate bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Mauritius, Singapore and Tanzania, and expressed confidence that the meetings would contribute to taking the various dimensions of bilateral relations and interests to new heights.

During his statement to the conference, Foreign Minister Khanal had stated that as a signatory, Nepal was committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and emphasised that landlocked countries have the right to access the high seas and participate in the maritime economy.

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