KATHMANDU: United States Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed a strong desire to foster a deeper partnership with Nepal in the realm of democracy during his visit.
Speaking to a select group of journalists in Kathmandu on Sunday morning, Senator Hollen stated, “Given Nepal’s status as a young and vibrant democracy, we are eager to strengthen our existing relationship and partnership while bolstering both political and commercial ties.”
He further emphasized that his trip’s overarching objective was to fortify the bonds between the United States and Nepal and other countries.
This strengthening, he noted, would encompass various aspects, including enhanced security cooperation, the deepening of economic ties, addressing climate change, and promoting democracy and human rights.
“By cultivating robust and meaningful partnerships, we open up more opportunities and illuminate the future for all our citizens,” he added.
Senator Hollen also extended assurances of increased US investment in Nepal, commending the instrumental role played by USAID in Nepal’s developmental endeavors, particularly in sectors such as education and healthcare.
During his stay, he engaged in candid dialogues with leaders from Nepal’s political parties, government officials, civil society representatives, and youth leaders, among others.
Senator Hollen affirmed that his visit aimed to further deepen the relationship between the two nations.
He also expressed the United States’ interest in strengthening connections between the US Congress and Nepal’s Parliament.
In a notable part of his visit, Senator Hollen traveled to Janakpurdham in the Madesh Province, where he engaged in discussions with various political leaders and members of civil society.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, arrived in Nepal on September 1, 2023.
Senator Hollen, who serves as Maryland’s representative in the United States Senate, holds a prominent position within the Democratic Party.
In 2021, in collaboration with the office of Maryland State Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari, Senator Hollen hosted a virtual dialogue with emerging youth leaders from Nepal.
Meanwhile, Senator Hollen has been a pivotal figure in numerous initiatives aimed at delivering medical resources, including vaccines, from the United States to Nepal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should be noted that Senator Hollen drafted legislation advocating for permanent residency opportunities for Nepali nationals in the United States under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.