KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held virtual talks with senior UK defence officials on Monday, focusing on the long-standing concerns of British Gurkha veterans, including their demand for pension parity.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal held the virtual dialogue with the United Kingdom’s Defence Secretary John Healey and Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns.
During the meeting, Minister Khanal highlighted the important role of British Gurkhas in Nepal–UK relations and stressed the need to find a mutually acceptable solution to the concerns of British Gurkha veterans at the earliest opportunity. He also urged the British government to address these issues from the perspectives of justice, fairness, and respect.
On behalf of Defence Secretary Healey, Minister Carns expressed the UK government’s commitment to working closely with the Nepali side to address the concerns of British Gurkha veterans.
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the meeting.
The British side was represented by MP Alex Baker, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, along with other senior officials from the UK Ministry of Defence, the ministry stated.
Representatives of British Gurkha organisations also participated in the virtual meeting.
Earlier on Monday, Minister Khanal held a virtual interaction with representatives of British Gurkha ex-servicemen. The meeting was coordinated and facilitated by Bipin Duwadi, Acting Ambassador at the Nepali Embassy in London, according to Minister Khanal’s secretariat.
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