German Embassy rejects claims of diplomatic rift over Nepal passport probe

July 1, Kathmandu: The German Embassy has rejected reports of diplomatic tension over Nepal’s electronic passport procurement dispute, clarifying that recent high-level talks in Berlin were routine diplomatic engagements rather than a formal reprimand.

In a statement addressing what it characterized as misleading coverage, the embassy emphasized that Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires was invited to a meeting at the German Federal Foreign Office, noting that an invitation carries distinct meaning in diplomatic protocol compared to a formal summons. The embassy confirmed that no protest notes or official documents were handed over, and no warnings were issued regarding potential consequences for bilateral relations. Reaffirming a constitutional commitment to the independence of the judiciary, officials reiterated that the embassy maintains a strict policy against commenting on active court cases.

The clarification arrives amid a 7.75 billion rupee corruption case filed by Nepal’s anti-graft body against 18 individuals, including local passport officials and representatives of German technology firms Veridos and Mühlbauer, over alleged procurement irregularities.

While legal proceedings continue in Kathmandu’s Special Court, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports of a diplomatic rift, and authorities have deferred further project decisions until mid-July.