MUSCAT: Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, Oman, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference.
During their discussion, the two ministers reviewed Nepal-Iran relations and matters of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Rana also requested her Iranian counterpart to take diplomatic initiatives for the release of Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held by Hamas since October 2023.
Rana had previously spoken to Foreign Minister Araghchi over the phone, urging him to intervene in securing Joshi’s release.
In today’s meeting, Araghchi assured that he would raise the issue with Hamas officials and take all possible diplomatic steps to facilitate Joshi’s freedom.
The Government of Nepal has been actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure Joshi’s release, engaging with various international and regional stakeholders.
Just a day earlier, Minister Deuba had appealed to the Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for assistance in the matter.
The government continues to seek support from the United Nations, international organizations, and diplomatic forums to bring Joshi home safely.
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