KATHMANDU: A delegation of the European Union paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.
The delegation included the EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, along with EU resident ambassadors based in Kathmandu and non-resident ambassadors based in New Delhi.
This marks the first time such a large number of EU ambassadors have visited Nepal together, on the occasion of the Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18.
During the meeting, both sides reflected on the 51-year-long diplomatic relationship between Nepal and the European Union and discussed ongoing collaboration in areas of political stability, economic development, and good governance.
Prime Minister Oli briefed the delegates on Nepal’s political journey—from armed conflict and peaceful mass movements to the promulgation of a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly.
He noted that the current government, formed with the cooperation of major political parties including CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, is committed to economic development and good governance. He encouraged the EU to expand investment in Nepal to support prosperity and employment generation.
Highlighting that Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republican system is irreversible, Prime Minister Oli stated that the country’s focus is now firmly on achieving stability and prosperity.
He reiterated Nepal’s foreign policy stance of “friendship with all, enmity with none,” affirming Nepal’s close ties with both neighboring countries, India and China, while maintaining friendly relations with other nations as well.
He thanked the EU delegation for participating in the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad, highlighting Nepal’s commitment to the “From the Himalayas to the Sea” vision and to continuing the dialogue in future editions.
On the issue of transitional justice, Prime Minister Oli stated that related laws have been drafted and two commissions have already been formed through consultation with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that there will be no further delay in the process.
The EU ambassadors expressed their continued support for Nepal’s socio-economic development, especially in sectors such as education, infrastructure, health, green energy, information technology, and climate change.
They welcomed Nepal’s recent steps towards concluding its transitional justice process and stressed the importance of centering victims in the process.
The ambassadors also congratulated the Government of Nepal for successfully organizing the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad.
The meeting was attended by Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Prasad Rimal, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other dignitaries.
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