KATHMANDU: Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi paid a courtesy call on Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Sunday.
The two ministers, who are in Muscat to participate in the 8th Indian Ocean Summit, held a sideline meeting.
During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests, mutual benefits, scholarships for Nepali students in Qatar, and the export of skilled technical manpower.
On this occasion, Minister Dr. Deuba requested Minister Muraikhi’s assistance in securing the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is currently being held by the Hamas group.
Dr. Rana praised the Qatari government’s role in mediating between the Israeli government and Hamas for a ceasefire and peace talks.
She also requested that special initiatives be taken to facilitate the release of Bipin, who is under Hamas’s control.
Earlier, Minister Dr. Rana had made a similar request in a phone call with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, who serves as the chief negotiator and mediator in the peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas.
The Nepali government has been continuing diplomatic efforts for Bipin’s release since last year.
Minister Dr. Rana has been advocating for his release through the United Nations, international, and regional forums.
In October 2023, Bipin was abducted by the Hamas group during an attack on Israeli territory.
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