KATHMANDU: Samir Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, is set to arrive in Kathmandu today for a three-day visit aimed at engaging with the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah (Balen).
Kapur will be the highest-ranking foreign official to visit Nepal since the new administration took office on March 27. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal and the Nepali Embassy in Washington confirmed that the visit is intended to congratulate the new government, understand its priorities, and discuss future cooperation with Washington.
Although the visit has not been formally announced by either side, Kapur is expected to be accompanied by two US State Department officials. His schedule includes meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, and representatives of the Nepal–USA Chamber of Commerce. He is also expected to visit Patan Durbar Square.
Kapur, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump in October last year, previously visited Bangladesh following its recent political transition. His Nepal visit had been postponed earlier due to parliamentary elections and domestic developments.
Diplomatic sources say the visit signals Washington’s intent to strengthen ties with the new government in Kathmandu and marks an early step in shaping future bilateral engagement.
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