Kathmandu, Feb 14: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat had a bilateral Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium Didier Reynders, at the latter’s office in Brussels afternoon.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to Nepal-Belgium relations including development cooperation, trade, investment and tourism. While expressing satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries, the two foreign ministers stressed the need for strengthened relations through the enhanced level of cooperation and collaboration, according to the Embassy/Mission of Nepal in Brussels.
The two foreign ministers agreed on establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries as well as on having parliamentary friendship groups in the parliaments of Nepal and Belgium.
While acknowledging the support extended by Belgium including for relief and reconstruction works following the devastating earthquakes of 2015, Minister Dr. Mahat requested for Belgium’s enhanced support and cooperation in Nepal’s development efforts in priority areas. In the context of Nepal’s vision to graduate from the LDC status by 2022, such support from Belgium would be critical, Dr. Mahat stated.
Dr. Mahat also thanked the Belgian Foreign Minister for inviting him to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Mediation.
Likewise, he shared with Mr. Reynders the updates concerning Nepal’s recent political developments, the present government’s priorities to bring all stakeholders onboard and holding elections in the stipulated timeframe.
Mr. Reynders appreciated the progress made by Nepal with regard to institutionalizing the democratic gains over the years and expressed the commitment of his government to extend possible support to Nepal in the future. He also underscored the need of further bilateral economic engagement including in the areas of trade, investment and tourism.
On the occasion, Dr. Mahat extended an invitation to Mr Reynders to visit Nepal at his convenient date. The Foreign Minister was accompanied by other members of Nepali delegation including Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu as well as the Embassy of Nepal in Brussels.
Dr. Mahat arrived Brussels this morning on a four-day long visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union. RSS
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