KATHMANDU: The 13th meeting of the Joint Commission between Nepal and the European Union (EU) has commenced here today, focusing on the EU’s development assistance to Nepal in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the next six years.

The meeting will discuss cooperation and trade between Nepal and the EU, civil aviation safety, contemporary political scenario, and partnership in socio-economic development, climate change issues, and a wide range of issues of mutual interests, reviewing the progress of the previous meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nepali delegation leader Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal is co-chairing the meeting with Deputy Managing Director of the EU External Affairs for Asia and the Pacific, Paola Pampaloni.

The Nepali delegation comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies; Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the National Planning Commission.

The EU delegation incorporates Pampaloni and two other senior officials from Brussels, Belgium, and EU Ambassador to Nepal Nona Deprez, and her aides.

The 12th meeting was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier, it was agreed to organize the meeting biannually in Kathmandu and Brussels on the basis of rotation, and it has been taking place each year since the past five years.