Omani delegation pays courtesy call on Minister Chaudhary

Kathmandu: Chief of an Omani delegation to Nepal, Sheikh Khalifa, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary.

During the meeting held at the Ministry on Thursday, they discussed matters related to strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and Oman as well as the expansion of cooperation in the areas of agriculture, forest, environment, supply of chemical fertilizer, trade, climate change and labour, according to Minister Chaudhary’s secretariat.

Once direct air service is resumed between Nepal and Oman, it would help expand trade of agriculture products, tourism and people’s relations, according to her.

Nepal is ready to collaborate with Oman in the areas of agriculture, forest and environment, she reminded. Minister Chaudhary argued that Nepal has been facing adverse impacts of climate change despite its negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emission.

Mentioning that management of chemical fertilizer supply has become challenging in Nepal, the Minister opined that Nepal was willing to collaborate with Oman in this regard. The Agriculture Minister expected support and cooperation of Oman in the diplomacy and international initiative related to loss and damages caused by climate change.

Recent Bhotekoshi flood caused huge destruction. The Omani delegates expressed solidarity to Nepal, extending sorrow over the recent flood disaster in Nepal.

Sharing that Nepal and Oman have friendly relations, the delegation head pointed out the importance of establishing Oman’s embassy in Nepal and resumption of direct flight between Nepal and Oman.

There was a direct flight between the two countries before COVID-19 pandemic. The delegation chief expressed possibility of exporting green urea produced in Oman to Nepal, adding the green urea was being exported to India from Oman.

Ministry secretary Dr Rajendra Prasad Mishra also spoke on possible coordination for managing fertilizer supply through government to government mechanism as well as on the issues of procurement, supply, transport and other logistic management.

Other issues discussed during the meeting were enhancement of skills among Nepali workers, expansion of opportunities for dignified and safe employment and making foreign employment process transparent and fair.

RSS