BERLIN, GERMANY: President Ramchandra Paudel met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace in Berlin on Monday.

President Paudel attended the 112th International Labor Conference and the launch of the Global Coalition for Social Justice in Geneva, Switzerland before he visited Germany.

Paudel arrived in Germany on Saturday night at the invitation of President Steinmeier.

During the talks, President Paudel emphasized Nepal’s high regard for its relationship with Germany, expressing confidence that this bond will strengthen in the changing global landscape.

He underscored the need for organizations like the Socialist International and Progressive Alliance to remain active globally in promoting social justice, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Paudel thanked Germany for its support in Nepal’s peace process and expressed hope for continued cooperation in Nepal’s development journey.

He stressed the importance of economic development to sustain Nepal’s political achievements and called for ongoing international and German support.

Paudel also welcomed Germany’s commitment to the Loss and Damage Fund, which helps developing countries combat climate change effects.

He highlighted the shared views between Nepal and Germany on several socio-economic issues in international forums.

President Paudel noted that Nepal is striving to graduate from the status of a least-developed country sustainably and irreversibly, requiring resources, technology, investment, and economic cooperation.

Nepal’s President outlined Nepal’s current goals: modernizing agriculture, harnessing water resources and energy potential, accelerating infrastructure development, promoting tourism, and combating the negative impacts of climate change.

He urged Germany to assist in these areas.

Reflecting on historical ties, Paudel recalled his visit to Germany as Nepal’s Local Development Minister coinciding with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the restoration of democracy in Nepal.

He also sought Germany’s help in repatriating Nepalese citizens stranded in Ukraine.

Paudel emphasized the need to encourage private-sector investment to enhance trade and commerce between Nepal and Germany.

He highlighted the enthusiastic participation of German investors in the third investment summit held in Kathmandu last month.

In recent years, Germany has become an attractive destination for Nepali youths for higher education and skill-based training.

Paudel mentioned the agreement signed last year between Nepal and Germany on skilled labor migration and knowledge exchange, which he believes will strengthen bilateral relations.

President Paudel appealed to the German government to support lifting the EU flight ban on Nepalese airlines.

In response, President Steinmeier expressed Germany’s readiness to assist in Nepal’s economic development and showed a keen interest in addressing climate change impacts, acknowledging Nepal’s challenges and expressing solidarity.

President Paudel’s visit marks the first by Nepal’s head of state to Germany since 1986.

Before the bilateral meeting, Paudel was honored with a guard of honor by the German government.