Kathmandu, 19 May: A delegation of the European Union (EU) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. The meeting was attended by EU Ambassador to Nepal Véronique Lorenzo, along with other ambassadors based in Kathmandu and non-resident ambassadors stationed in New Delhi, India.
This marks the first time that so many EU ambassadors have visited Nepal simultaneously, primarily for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which was held in Kathmandu from Jestha 2 to 4 (May 16-18).
During the meeting, both sides recalled the 51 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the EU and discussed cooperation in areas such as stability, economic growth, and good governance. Prime Minister Oli highlighted Nepal’s progress after overcoming armed conflict, peaceful people’s movements, and peace negotiations, leading to the promulgation of a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly. He emphasized that Nepal is now focused on accelerating economic development and governance reforms.
The Prime Minister noted that the two major political parties—CPN-UML and Nepali Congress—have formed a government with a shared commitment to economic growth and good governance. He urged the EU to expand investments in Nepal to foster prosperity and employment generation.
PM Oli assured that there is no possibility of reverting from the federal democratic republican system achieved through the people’s struggle. He reiterated Nepal’s foreign policy of “Friendship with all, enmity with none,” maintaining close ties with both neighboring countries—India and China—while fostering friendly relations with other nations.
He thanked the EU ambassadors for their participation in the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad and emphasized the importance of the “Himalaya to Ocean” concept, assuring that the dialogue series would continue.
Regarding transitional justice, PM Oli expressed confidence that the two commissions formed under the newly enacted laws, with consultations from stakeholders, would expedite the process without further delays.
The EU ambassadors reaffirmed their support for Nepal’s socio-economic development, particularly in education, infrastructure, health, green energy, information technology, and climate change. They welcomed Nepal’s progress in concluding the transitional justice process and stressed the need to keep victims’ concerns at the center.
The ambassadors also congratulated Nepal on the successful organization of the Sagarmatha Sambaad.
The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Vishnu Prasad Rimal, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other participants.
