KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has once again urged Qatar to intensify efforts for the release and repatriation of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who has been held hostage by Hamas since 2023.
The request was made during a meeting with Bader Omar Al Dafa, Qatar’s Special Envoy on Climate Change and Sustainability, who is currently in Kathmandu to participate in the Sagarmatha Sambaad.
The two met on Friday for a courtesy call, during which the issue of Bipin Joshi’s condition and continued captivity was raised.
Minister Rana expressed appreciation for Qatar’s past efforts and emphasized the need for further diplomatic engagement, particularly since Qatar has been playing a mediating role between Hamas and Israel.
She reiterated her call for Qatar to take stronger initiatives toward securing Joshi’s release and facilitating his safe return to Nepal.
Dr. Rana has consistently appealed to the international community for support in ensuring Joshi’s freedom and safe repatriation. She has previously raised the issue directly with Qatari officials, including the country’s foreign minister and chief mediator involved in peace talks with Hamas.
The meeting also included discussions on strengthening Nepal-Qatar cooperation in addressing climate change. Minister Rana thanked the Qatari delegation for participating in the Sagarmatha Sambaad and expressed hope for future collaboration in climate resilience and sustainability efforts.
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