KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Wednesday evening, requesting his assistance in securing the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by Hamas.
During the call, Prime Minister Oli urged President el-Sisi to take further steps to ensure Joshi’s safe and swift release.
Joshi, a participant in the ‘Learn and Earn’ program, was among those abducted during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, President el-Sisi assured that Egypt’s efforts in this regard would continue.
Prime Minister Oli expressed gratitude for Egypt’s role in facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas, particularly in prioritizing Joshi’s name for the second phase of prisoner exchanges.
He also welcomed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement and acknowledged Egypt’s significant role in the mediation process.
Furthermore, he extended appreciation to the governments of Qatar and the United States for their contributions to the humanitarian efforts.
Invitation to the Sagarmatha Sambaad
During the conversation, Prime Minister Oli invited President el-Sisi to attend the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from May 18 to 18.
Given Egypt’s role as the host of COP-27, Oli emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts on climate change issues.
The Nepali government is organizing the Sagarmatha Sambaad as a biennial global platform focusing on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of human life.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation, high-level visits, and Nepal’s candidacy in UN forums.
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