KATHMANDU: The 16th meeting of the Nepal–European Union Joint Commission concluded in Brussels on Friday, with both sides reviewing a wide range of issues including development cooperation, trade, climate change, regional connectivity and multilateral engagement.
According to the Embassy of Nepal in Brussels, the two sides noted that Nepal–EU relations have continued to progress positively, with expanding cooperation from development partnership to people-to-people ties.
During the meeting, the EU side commended the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki for its focus on fiscal discipline, good governance, accountability and improved service delivery.
Nepal highlighted its progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, stating that cooperation between Nepal and the EU in climate action, disaster risk reduction and investment promotion remains crucial. Nepal also reiterated its commitment to concluding the transitional justice process in line with legal provisions.
The EU welcomed Nepal’s transition strategy for graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and reaffirmed continued support through its ongoing multi-year programs. The meeting also reviewed progress in various development projects.
Citing aviation safety as a national priority, Nepal informed the EU that it is addressing the concerns raised during the EU’s September 2023 assessment visit. Nepal once again requested the removal of Nepali airlines from the EU Air Safety List.
The 17th meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Kathmandu next year at a mutually agreed date. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific Department of the European External Action Service.
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