KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, on Thursday.
During the conversation, Karki expressed Nepal’s serious concern over recent developments in the West Asian region and urged all sides to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
She thanked the Qatari government for ensuring the safety and protection of around 360,000 Nepali nationals working in Qatar. The prime minister said she was pleased to learn that Nepali citizens living and working there remain safe and expressed gratitude to the Qatari government for their care.
Karki said Nepal is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and prioritize the safety of civilians.
She also stressed that all nations must respect and adhere to the Charter of the United Nations, international law, the Geneva Conventions, and humanitarian law.
Stating that war cannot be an alternative to peace, the prime minister said that only dialogue and diplomatic efforts can bring a lasting solution.
Karki also expressed confidence that Nepal–Qatar relations would continue to strengthen through high-level exchanges, economic and cultural cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
During the call, she conveyed solidarity with Qatar and expressed concern over attacks reported on Qatari territory, particularly in non-military areas.
In response, Al Thani said Nepal–Qatar relations remain friendly and cordial and praised the contribution of Nepali workers in Qatar. He assured that Nepali nationals would receive the same level of protection and security as Qatari citizens during the current situation.
Calling the present circumstances unfortunate, he said Qatar’s actions are focused on safeguarding its sovereignty and self-defense, adding that the country has always supported peace and opposed such acts of violence.
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