KATHMANDU: German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Volz has issued a public clarification regarding media reports surrounding his recent visit to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in connection with the passport printing contract controversy.
In a statement posted on social media platform X on Friday evening, Ambassador Volz said neither he nor the German Embassy had spoken to journalists about the visit.
“Media outlets in Nepal have been reporting about my recent visit to PMO in various forms and manners. I would like to underline that neither I personally nor the German Embassy have had any exchanges with journalists on this and have not authorised any publication in this respect,” he stated.
He further clarified that the embassy had not authorized any individual to comment on the issue on its behalf.
Media reports earlier said Ambassador Volz had visited the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday amid controversy surrounding the government’s passport printing contract. It may be noted that a German company had secured the contract, which later came under scrutiny after concerns were raised over alleged irregularities in the procurement process.
Media reports, citing government sources, claimed that the ambassador had sought a meeting with Prime Minister Balen Shah. The reports also alleged that, after waiting for an extended period, he was denied a meeting and was asked to leave by the Prime Minister’s personal secretariat.
The ambassador’s statement comes amid growing public discussion and criticism over the reported treatment of a foreign diplomat at the Prime Minister’s Office.
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