WASHINGTON DC: US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken condemned the killing of 10 Nepali students by Hamas in Israel and extended condolences to them.

Speaking to media persons before a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, US Secretary of State Blinken described the Hamas attack in Israel as a terrorist incident.

“I have to start, though, on a very difficult note, which is to share our condolences for the 10 Nepali students who were murdered in Israel. We feel their loss deeply,” he stated.

The US Secretary of State expressed pleasure in welcoming the foreign minister to the State Department in Washington.

A bilateral meeting was held between Foreign Minister Saud, who arrived in Washington DC on Monday for his official visit to the United States, and US Secretary of State Blinken.

In a joint press briefing organized after the bilateral meeting, Blinken shared, “We have had 76 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the United States, and Nepal is today a highly valued partner in the Indo-Pacific. We’re working together to ensure that we have a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.”

The US Secretary of State emphasized that Nepal is leading in many ways, not just in the region but globally, as a very constructive actor in international organizations – with numerous peacekeepers striving to help people move from conflict to peace worldwide.

“We’re working to deepen and strengthen bilateral relations even more, particularly fostering more people-to-people ties, as well as economic ties and investments,” he stated.

In a press briefing, he noted that Nepal and the United States have significant collaborations in the economic sector.

In response, Minister Saud acknowledged the US Secretary of State’s condolences for the loss of ten Nepali students in Israel.

He said, “We have lost 10 students there, and one is kidnapped.” Stating that Nepal appreciates everyone offering condolences and support during this painful time.

Similarly, describing the US as a major development partner of Nepal, the Foreign Minister thanked the US government for its continued support to various sectors in Nepal, particularly in infrastructure development, health, and education.

He also appreciated his US counterpart for making time for a bilateral meeting during this complicated situation.

“I convey my gratitude to Secretary of State Antony Blinken for providing us with such precious time in this complicated situation,” he stated.