KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said that the honorary consuls representing different countries in Nepal are crucial agents and equally important partners for conducting Nepal’s diplomacy and foreign policy.

Addressing the first meeting of Honorary Consul Corps Nepal (HCCN) organized by Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal at the Dubarmarg-based Pavilion Hall on Tuesday, Minister Gyawali said that his ministry will support every step they take to enhance economic cooperation between the countries they represent and Nepal.

“They are a strong base between the country they live in and the country they represent. They have an equally important role to promote Nepal’s interest positively,” said Gyawali.

He added that the Nepal government has stressed economic diplomacy as the major priority area of its diplomatic engagement with the objective of accelerating rapid socio-economic transformation, tourism promotion and attracting investment.

Also speaking, and HCCN Dean and Honorary Consul of South Africa to Nepal, Pradeep Kumar Shrestha said that the support they have been receiving from the Minister for Foreign Affairs is very encouraging.

During the function, HCCN provided monitory support worth Rs 500,000 to the survivors of Gulmi landslides incident. HCCN Dean and Honorary Consul of South Africa Shrestha handed over the check bearing the amount to Minister Gyawali.

Minister Gyawali, receiving the check, expressed his gratitude towards HCCN for the goodwill gesture to the survivors of the disasters.

A massive landslide had occurred at Satyawati Rural Municipality on June 22 night, claiming the lives of as many as 12 people.

Stating that it was a responsibility of HCCN to provide support to the disaster-survivors, Dean Shrestha expressed his confidence that although the monitory support was not so huge, other social organizations would follow the suit.

During the program, honorary consuls of different countries were present.

Participants at the program organized by Honorary Consular Corps- Nepal.

Shreshtha informed that the HCCN is hosting the regional conference of consuls in Kathmandu from November 12-16 this year where around 250 honorary consuls from various countries of the world are likely to arrive in Nepal for the conference.

Meanwhile, Basanta Kumar Chaudhary stated that the conference will boost tourism in Nepal as they carry Nepal’s message to their respective countries.