World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is on an official visit to Nepal, lauded the country's achievements in the health sector, including the allocation of a good amount of budget for health services.&nbsp;

Ghebreyesus called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba earlier today.

The President highlighted the role of multisectoral collaboration to improve health issues, while the Director-General congratulated Nepal for recognising health as a basic human right in its constitution.&nbsp;

Nepal's Foreign Ministry Statement lauded Nepal’s achievement in reducing maternal and child mortality and for being a pioneer in a number of health initiatives, including a nation-wide new vaccine campaign against typhoid in the routine immunisation programme, the first of its kind in the South East Asia Region of WHO immunisation.&nbsp;

While emphasising the cooperation of WHO in further bolstering health services in Nepal, the Prime Minister praised the effective leadership of WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed his hope for more collaboration between Nepal and WHO in the days to come.&nbsp;

"Nepal is the first country in the S.E Asia Region to introduce the typhoid conjugate vaccine into its national immunisation program.&nbsp;

Today, WHO DG and RD Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh visited a vaccine site to observe the ongoing campaign which aims to vaccinate 7.5 million children, "WHO Nepal said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Later in the day, Ghebreyesus visited Patan Secondary School to observe the ongoing campaign for typhoid vaccination. He also paid a visit to the National Public Health Laboratory and Teku Hospital.

The Director-General arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday and held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka.&nbsp;

Another statement from the Foreign Ministry said, "The Foreign Minister appreciated the leadership of WHO during the COVID pandemic and expressed thanks to the Director-General for his unfailing support of Nepal during the COVID crisis, including through vaccine support."

He also thanked the Director-General for decades of cooperation from WHO with Nepal in the prevention and control of diseases, the provision of vaccines and technical assistance in critical areas of public health.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is on an official visit to Nepal, lauded the country's achievements in the health sector, including the allocation of a good amount of budget for health services.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is on an official visit to Nepal, lauded the country's achievements in the health sector, including the allocation of a good amount of budget for health services. Ghebreyesus called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba earlier today. The President highlighted the role of multisectoral collaboration to improve health issues, while the Director-General congratulated Nepal for recognising health as a basic human right in its constitution. Nepal's Foreign Ministry Statement lauded Nepal’s achievement in reducing maternal and child mortality and for being a pioneer in a number of health initiatives, including a nation-wide new vaccine campaign against typhoid in the routine immunisation programme, the first of its kind in the South East Asia Region of WHO immunisation. While emphasising the cooperation of WHO in further bolstering health services in Nepal, the Prime Minister praised the effective leadership of WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed his hope for more collaboration between Nepal and WHO in the days to come. "Nepal is the first country in the S.E Asia Region to introduce the typhoid conjugate vaccine into its national immunisation program. Today, WHO DG and RD Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh visited a vaccine site to observe the ongoing campaign which aims to vaccinate 7.5 million children, "WHO Nepal said in a tweet. Later in the day, Ghebreyesus visited Patan Secondary School to observe the ongoing campaign for typhoid vaccination. He also paid a visit to the National Public Health Laboratory and Teku Hospital. The Director-General arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday and held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka. Another statement from the Foreign Ministry said, "The Foreign Minister appreciated the leadership of WHO during the COVID pandemic and expressed thanks to the Director-General for his unfailing support of Nepal during the COVID crisis, including through vaccine support." He also thanked the Director-General for decades of cooperation from WHO with Nepal in the prevention and control of diseases, the provision of vaccines and technical assistance in critical areas of public health.

WHO lauds Nepal’s prioritisation of health in the national budget

Teenagers in Nepal spend their prime years training for the British army. Every year a few hundred are selected out of thousands. Mariam Wardak tells you why the young Nepalis are willing to give it their all to get admission into The Royal Gurkha Rifles in this week's South Asia Diary.

South Asia Diary | The British Gurkha dream of Nepal's youth

Nepal is facing a crunch in terms of its forex reserves. According to the Nepalese Central Bank, the country is running low on foreign currency which is needed to import essential supplies. The main source of foreign for Nepal is tourism which is low due to COVID-19 impacts

Low tourism in Nepal during COVID impacts foreign exchange

After Sri Lanka, Nepal seems to be staring at an economic crisis. The country has put a curb on the imports of non-essential goods, including cars, cosmetics, and gold, after its foreign currency reserves dropped.

Nepal cuts down imports of luxury goods

Another neighbor of India could be struggling- Nepal. A recent decision by Kathmandu has captured the attention of the world, Nepal has banned imports of luxury items.

An economic crisis in Nepal?

Nepal has banned the imports of luxury items. This comes after the country's Central Bank Governor was suspended. Is Nepal staring at an economic crisis? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Why was the central bank governor sacked in Nepal?

After Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is also facing financial problems. The country is facing a forex exchange crisis, it has already suspended Central Bank Governor as the bank had earlier announced a ban on import of vehicles and other luxury items.

Nepal bans import of luxury items, suspends Central Bank governor

After Sri Lanka, Nepal seems to be staring into an impending economic crisis. the country has put a curb on the imports of non-essential goods, including cars, cosmetics, and gold, after its foreign currency reserves dropped.

Nepal bans imports of luxury items amid dwindling forex reserves

The Nepal government has been trying to prevent the decline of foreign exchange (forex) reserves in the country for quite some time and they have now decided to ban the import of luxury items in order to take care of the problem.<o:p></o:p>

Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Gunakar Bhatta explained that the biggest challenge for the government is to maintain the forex reserves properly, according to a report on myRepublica, an English-language National daily newspaper published by Nepal Republic Media in Kathmandu.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-members-resign-from-pak-parliament-with-its-chief-imran-khan-saying-not-to-shehbaaz-sharif-470201">Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf resign from National Assembly</a>

"The import of luxury items has been stopped to prevent the decline in foreign exchange reserves due to the rising deficits and high imports," Bhatta was quoted as saying in the report. <o:p></o:p>

However, Bhatta made it clear that the step was not taken due to any economic crisis in Nepal and asked the public to not panic because of the ongoing rumours of problems with the economy.<o:p></o:p>

According to the report, he said that NRB currently has forex reserves to continue the imports for another six to seven months and it can increase depending on how the economy performs.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-destroyed-s-300-anti-aircraft-missile-systems-given-to-ukraine-by-eu-nation-470257" hreflang="en">Russia claims it destroyed S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems given to Ukraine by EU nation</a>

In the latest move, imports of machinery, silver, readymade garments, electrical appliances, rice, textile, motor equipment, mopeds and other design vehicles, bicycles, gold and paddy were banned.<o:p></o:p>

Besides the aforementioned products, the imports of a number of different items like fish, vegetables, honey, eggs, meat, bananas and chips, betel nuts, plants, chillies, dairy products along medical, optical and surgical instruments were also banned according to the new order issued by the authorities.<o:p></o:p>

The Nepal government has been trying to prevent the decline of foreign exchange (forex) reserves in the country for quite some time and they have now decided to ban the import of luxury items in order to take care of the problem.

The Nepal government has been trying to prevent the decline of foreign exchange (forex) reserves in the country for quite some time and they have now decided to ban the import of luxury items in order to take care of the problem. Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Gunakar Bhatta explained that the biggest challenge for the government is to maintain the forex reserves properly, according to a report on myRepublica, an English-language National daily newspaper published by Nepal Republic Media in Kathmandu. Also read | Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf resign from National Assembly "The import of luxury items has been stopped to prevent the decline in foreign exchange reserves due to the rising deficits and high imports," Bhatta was quoted as saying in the report. However, Bhatta made it clear that the step was not taken due to any economic crisis in Nepal and asked the public to not panic because of the ongoing rumours of problems with the economy. According to the report, he said that NRB currently has forex reserves to continue the imports for another six to seven months and it can increase depending on how the economy performs. Also read | Russia claims it destroyed S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems given to Ukraine by EU nation In the latest move, imports of machinery, silver, readymade garments, electrical appliances, rice, textile, motor equipment, mopeds and other design vehicles, bicycles, gold and paddy were banned. Besides the aforementioned products, the imports of a number of different items like fish, vegetables, honey, eggs, meat, bananas and chips, betel nuts, plants, chillies, dairy products along medical, optical and surgical instruments were also banned according to the new order issued by the authorities.

Nepal bans imports of luxury items to prevent decline of foreign exchange reserves: Report

Nepal’s Paubha art involves strict purity rituals and religious traditions. This artist from Kathmandu is reinventing the Paubha tradition in the 21st century. Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

South Asia Diary | Reviving Nepal's iconic Paubha art

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and signed crucial deals in New Delhi on April 2 in New Delhi.

Nepal & India sign key deals to deepen ties

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Deuba arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit. It is his first such visit abroad after assuming office in July 2021. Today on the last day of his official visit he came to Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple and Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple.

After offering puja at the Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple, Adityanath, Nepalese PM and his wife were felicitated with `shawl` by the priest of the temple.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-agree-on-expansion-of-power-corporation-467707">Nepal, India agree on expansion of power cooperation</a>

Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Temple in the holy city of Varanasi which stood as a symbol of India-Nepal unity is attracting scores of tourists and pilgrims after the development of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as Nepali Mandir.

Earlier in the day, Deuba along with his wife offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers.

At Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepalese PM was welcomed as per the Indian ritual, with conch, damru and "bel patra" garland while at Kashi Vishwanath temple, Deuba was welcomed by applying `tilak`.

The streets of Varanasi were all decked up with Deuba`s posters and hoardings to greet him. Children could be seen standing with the national flags of both countries (India and Nepal).

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba is on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Oli's shake up

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was already in Varanasi before the Nepal Prime Minister`s arrival.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights.

Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India`s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-nepal-boundary-issue-must-be-addressed-through-dialogue-not-politicisation-foreign-secretary-shringla-467684">Indo-Nepal boundary issue must be addressed through dialogue, not politicisation: Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

Deuba met Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed strengthening the ties between the Nepali Congress and the BJP.

After meeting BJP President, Nepal PM met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi.The Nepal PM was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka, Energy and Water Resources Minister Pampha Bhusal and Health Minister Mahendra Rai Yadav during the meeting.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple. Deuba arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit. It is his first such visit abroad after assuming office in July 2021. Today on the last day of his official visit he came to Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple and Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple. After offering puja at the Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple, Adityanath, Nepalese PM and his wife were felicitated with `shawl` by the priest of the temple. Also read | Nepal, India agree on expansion of power cooperation Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Temple in the holy city of Varanasi which stood as a symbol of India-Nepal unity is attracting scores of tourists and pilgrims after the development of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as Nepali Mandir. Earlier in the day, Deuba along with his wife offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers. At Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepalese PM was welcomed as per the Indian ritual, with conch, damru and "bel patra" garland while at Kashi Vishwanath temple, Deuba was welcomed by applying `tilak`. The streets of Varanasi were all decked up with Deuba`s posters and hoardings to greet him. Children could be seen standing with the national flags of both countries (India and Nepal). Watch | Nepal PM Deuba is on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Oli's shake up Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was already in Varanasi before the Nepal Prime Minister`s arrival. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights. Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India`s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit. Also read | Indo-Nepal boundary issue must be addressed through dialogue, not politicisation: Foreign Secretary Shringla Deuba met Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed strengthening the ties between the Nepali Congress and the BJP. After meeting BJP President, Nepal PM met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi.The Nepal PM was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka, Energy and Water Resources Minister Pampha Bhusal and Health Minister Mahendra Rai Yadav during the meeting.

Nepal Prime Minister offers prayer at Pashupatinath temple in Varanasi

Indian External Affairs Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar, who called on visiting Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday evening, said he was confident that this visit will further strengthen our close relations.

"I am confident that this visit will further strengthen our close neighbourly ties," he said.

Before that, Deuba, who is on a three-day visit, visited the BJP headquarters and met party chief JP&nbsp;Nadda.

Deuba, his wife, and four cabinet ministers of Nepal were part of the delegation that met Nadda, and the meeting lasted for around half an hour.

 
Gravitas Global Headlines: Nepal Prime Minister visits India, oil prices slump &amp; more

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After meeting, BJP overseas affairs cell chief Vijay Chauthaiwale said that on party chief`s invitation, Deuba, his wife and four cabinet ministers visited BJP headquarters.

"Discussion was held in a very cordial environment and the BJP chief briefed Nepal Prime Minister about the social works done by party workers during Covid period," Chauthaiwale said.

Deuba on Friday arrived in New Delhi on a three days visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He is accompanied by a 50-member delegation. The team will also include secretaries in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Water Resources, Health and Population, Agriculture and Physical Planning.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who called on visiting Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday evening, said he was confident that this visit will further strengthen our close relations.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who called on visiting Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday evening, said he was confident that this visit will further strengthen our close relations. "I am confident that this visit will further strengthen our close neighbourly ties," he said. Before that, Deuba, who is on a three-day visit, visited the BJP headquarters and met party chief JP Nadda. Deuba, his wife, and four cabinet ministers of Nepal were part of the delegation that met Nadda, and the meeting lasted for around half an hour. Gravitas Global Headlines: Nepal Prime Minister visits India, oil prices slump & more × After meeting, BJP overseas affairs cell chief Vijay Chauthaiwale said that on party chief`s invitation, Deuba, his wife and four cabinet ministers visited BJP headquarters. "Discussion was held in a very cordial environment and the BJP chief briefed Nepal Prime Minister about the social works done by party workers during Covid period," Chauthaiwale said. Deuba on Friday arrived in New Delhi on a three days visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is accompanied by a 50-member delegation. The team will also include secretaries in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Water Resources, Health and Population, Agriculture and Physical Planning.

Confident that Nepalese PM Deuba's visit will further strengthen ties: Jaishankar

Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba is currently in New Delhi on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties. This comes after Former PM Oli's shake-up of ties.

Nepal PM Deuba meets Indian PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi

Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba is currently in New Delhi on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Former PM Oli's shake-up of ties.

Push to India-Nepal ties: Nepal PM Deuba in New Delhi to bolster ties with India

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Nepal Prime Minister visits India, oil prices slump & more

Nepal PM Deuba is on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Oli's shake up

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a slew of agreements on Saturday. Both leaders inaugurated a cross-border railway network, a power transmission line and launched India's RuPay payment card in Nepal.

The Nepalese prime minister, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a three-day visit.

On the second day of PM Sher Bahadur Deuba's official India visit, the two countries have had an exchange of agreement on the operationalisation of the 35 km long cross-border rail link between Jayanagar in Bihar and Kurtha in Nepal.&nbsp;

In addition, the Government of India has officially handed over the 90 km long 132 KV double circuit Solu Corridor Transmission Line to the Government of Nepal.&nbsp;

The use of the Indian RuPay card in Nepal was jointly launched by the two prime ministers. This would open new vistas for cooperation in financial connectivity, and is expected to facilitate bilateral tourist flows as well as further strengthen people-to-people linkages between India and Nepal.

PM Deuba said that India is making progress under the visionary leadership of PM Modi.&nbsp;

“I truly admire your love and affection for Nepal and the Nepali people and my visit today will further enforce these innate sentiments,” he said&nbsp;

“We had friendly talks and fruitful discussions on various aspects of India-Nepal relations. We shared our perspectives on further strengthening our friendly ties,” he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi welcomed Nepal’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with Nepal, becoming the 105th country to become a signatory to the Framework Agreement of the ISA.

“Held fruitful discussions with PM @SherBDeuba, who has always played a key role in boosting the India-Nepal friendship. We took stock of the full range of bilateral relations including important development projects that will deepen economic as well as cultural linkages,” PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

“One of the key emerging pillars of India-Nepal cooperation is energy. PM @SherBDeuba and I talked about augmenting cooperation in the power sector. I also welcome Nepal’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance,” he added.&nbsp;

PM Deuba thanked Indian PM for standing by Nepal during the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

Modi gifted a traditional 'Pahari School' miniature painting from Himachal Pradesh to his Nepalese counterpart during the meeting between the two leaders.&nbsp;

The exquisite traditional painting depicts the season of 'Shravan' or Monsoon which falls during the months of July and August.

It is tradition for Nepalese prime ministers soon after taking over office to visit the southern neighbor India, which has always had major political and economic influence over Nepal.

The visit is seen as an opportunity for Deuba to renew relations with Indian leaders and also for Indian leadership to try to regain their clout.

Since Deuba’s appointment as PM, several high-level visits of senior officials, dignitaries, and even members of ruling parties of both countries have taken place.

In October, a three-member delegation of the Nepali Congress led by head of the party's international department Prakash Sharan Mahat visited India leading to the opening of an informal channel and party to party engagements as well.

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a slew of agreements on Saturday.

In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a slew of agreements on Saturday. Both leaders inaugurated a cross-border railway network, a power transmission line and launched India's RuPay payment card in Nepal. The Nepalese prime minister, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a three-day visit. On the second day of PM Sher Bahadur Deuba's official India visit, the two countries have had an exchange of agreement on the operationalisation of the 35 km long cross-border rail link between Jayanagar in Bihar and Kurtha in Nepal. In addition, the Government of India has officially handed over the 90 km long 132 KV double circuit Solu Corridor Transmission Line to the Government of Nepal. The use of the Indian RuPay card in Nepal was jointly launched by the two prime ministers. This would open new vistas for cooperation in financial connectivity, and is expected to facilitate bilateral tourist flows as well as further strengthen people-to-people linkages between India and Nepal. PM Deuba said that India is making progress under the visionary leadership of PM Modi. “I truly admire your love and affection for Nepal and the Nepali people and my visit today will further enforce these innate sentiments,” he said “We had friendly talks and fruitful discussions on various aspects of India-Nepal relations. We shared our perspectives on further strengthening our friendly ties,” he added. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Nepal’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with Nepal, becoming the 105th country to become a signatory to the Framework Agreement of the ISA. “Held fruitful discussions with PM @SherBDeuba, who has always played a key role in boosting the India-Nepal friendship. We took stock of the full range of bilateral relations including important development projects that will deepen economic as well as cultural linkages,” PM Modi said in a tweet. “One of the key emerging pillars of India-Nepal cooperation is energy. PM @SherBDeuba and I talked about augmenting cooperation in the power sector. I also welcome Nepal’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance,” he added. PM Deuba thanked Indian PM for standing by Nepal during the Covid pandemic. Modi gifted a traditional 'Pahari School' miniature painting from Himachal Pradesh to his Nepalese counterpart during the meeting between the two leaders. The exquisite traditional painting depicts the season of 'Shravan' or Monsoon which falls during the months of July and August. It is tradition for Nepalese prime ministers soon after taking over office to visit the southern neighbor India, which has always had major political and economic influence over Nepal. The visit is seen as an opportunity for Deuba to renew relations with Indian leaders and also for Indian leadership to try to regain their clout. Since Deuba’s appointment as PM, several high-level visits of senior officials, dignitaries, and even members of ruling parties of both countries have taken place. In October, a three-member delegation of the Nepali Congress led by head of the party's international department Prakash Sharan Mahat visited India leading to the opening of an informal channel and party to party engagements as well.

Nepal, India prime ministers jointly launch projects, vow to deepen ties

India PM Modi and Nepal PM Deuba held high-level talks on the expansion of cooperation in railways and energy sector.

India PM Modi and Nepal PM Deuba vow to expand cooperation ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. &nbsp;

The two leaders also vowed to further expand bilateral ties in several areas and inaugurated a number of projects. &nbsp;

These included a power transmission line, cross-border railway network and launch of India's RuPay payment card in Nepal. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confident-that-nepalese-pm-deubas-visit-will-further-strengthen-ties-jaishankar-467561" hreflang="en">Confident that Nepalese PM Deuba's visit will further strengthen ties: Jaishankar</a>

Built under India's Grant Assistance, the train services between India’s Jainagar and Nepal’s Kurtha were inaugurated on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Among the projects, Solu Corridor 132 KV power transmission line and sub-station in Nepal built under government of India's Line of Credit were also inaugurated. Nepal also joined International Solar Alliance. &nbsp;

Four pacts were inked by the two sides to expand cooperation in railways and energy after the wide-ranging talks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Modi said the friendly ties between India and Nepal are unique. And this relationship is not seen anywhere else in the world. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba holds a joint briefing with Indian PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi

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India has been and will continue to be a firm companion in Nepal's journey for peace, prosperity and development, the PM said. &nbsp;

Nepalese prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to India, has been accompanied by a high-level delegation. He arrived in New Delhi on Friday. &nbsp;

Deuba said Nepal's relations with India are "highly important”. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. The two leaders also vowed to further expand bilateral ties in several areas and inaugurated a number of projects.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. The two leaders also vowed to further expand bilateral ties in several areas and inaugurated a number of projects. These included a power transmission line, cross-border railway network and launch of India's RuPay payment card in Nepal. Also Read | Confident that Nepalese PM Deuba's visit will further strengthen ties: Jaishankar Built under India's Grant Assistance, the train services between India’s Jainagar and Nepal’s Kurtha were inaugurated on Saturday. Among the projects, Solu Corridor 132 KV power transmission line and sub-station in Nepal built under government of India's Line of Credit were also inaugurated. Nepal also joined International Solar Alliance. Four pacts were inked by the two sides to expand cooperation in railways and energy after the wide-ranging talks. In a statement, Modi said the friendly ties between India and Nepal are unique. And this relationship is not seen anywhere else in the world. Watch: Nepal PM Deuba holds a joint briefing with Indian PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi × India has been and will continue to be a firm companion in Nepal's journey for peace, prosperity and development, the PM said. Nepalese prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to India, has been accompanied by a high-level delegation. He arrived in New Delhi on Friday. Deuba said Nepal's relations with India are "highly important”. (With inputs from agencies)

Along with delegation-level talks, Indian PM, Nepalese counterpart inaugurate projects

Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba is currently in New Delhi on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties. This comes after Former PM Oli's shake-up of ties. PM Deuba met with PM Modi and both leaders held a joint briefing.

Nepal PM Deuba holds a joint briefing with Indian PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians.

The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine.

Nepal's Department of Tourism announced that it has started issuing climbing permits to climb the tallest mountain in the world in spring. It has so far issued permits for 18 expedition teams to climb mountains above 6,000m this spring season.

According to BBC, the Ukrainian embassy in Delhi sent a diplomatic note to Nepal's government saying that numerous international sports federations have barred Russian athletes.

"Taking into consideration the above, the esteemed Nepalese side is kindly requested to ban Russian mountaineering teams until the end of [the] Russian invasion into Ukraine," the letter said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-in-ukraine-continues-despite-peace-talks-466932" hreflang="en">Russian shelling in Ukraine continues despite peace talks</a>

However, officials in Nepal say they will continue to issue permits to anyone abiding by the government's rules and regulations

"There has been no change in our policy so far," the director general of Nepal's tourism department, Taranath Adhikari, told the BBC.

"We believe our mountains are global assets and any countries' citizens willing to visit them for attainment of peace should be allowed to do so - as long as they do it within our legal provisions."

The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi reportedly said that it made the request to the Nepalese embassy in the Indian capital on 21 March, but Nepalese embassy officials told the BBC they had received no communication on the issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-the-russia-ukraine-war-us-and-russian-astronauts-return-to-earth-together-466881">Amid Russia-Ukraine war, US and Russian astronauts return to Earth together</a>

During spring last year, a record 408 climbing permits were issued from the Nepali side, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in which 49 Russians and 19 Ukrainians were registered on Nepalese mountains higher than 8,000m, according to the Himalayan Database, which records data related to mountaineering in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Out of them, 14 Russian and six Ukrainian climbers were on Everest.

According to local media reports, Nepal is expecting over 300 climbers to receive permits this year.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-turns-to-china-amid-isolation-lavrov-on-first-china-visit-since-invasion-466940/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians. The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians. The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine. Nepal's Department of Tourism announced that it has started issuing climbing permits to climb the tallest mountain in the world in spring. It has so far issued permits for 18 expedition teams to climb mountains above 6,000m this spring season. According to BBC, the Ukrainian embassy in Delhi sent a diplomatic note to Nepal's government saying that numerous international sports federations have barred Russian athletes. "Taking into consideration the above, the esteemed Nepalese side is kindly requested to ban Russian mountaineering teams until the end of [the] Russian invasion into Ukraine," the letter said. Also read | Russian shelling in Ukraine continues despite peace talks However, officials in Nepal say they will continue to issue permits to anyone abiding by the government's rules and regulations "There has been no change in our policy so far," the director general of Nepal's tourism department, Taranath Adhikari, told the BBC. "We believe our mountains are global assets and any countries' citizens willing to visit them for attainment of peace should be allowed to do so - as long as they do it within our legal provisions." The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi reportedly said that it made the request to the Nepalese embassy in the Indian capital on 21 March, but Nepalese embassy officials told the BBC they had received no communication on the issue. Also read | Amid Russia-Ukraine war, US and Russian astronauts return to Earth together During spring last year, a record 408 climbing permits were issued from the Nepali side, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in which 49 Russians and 19 Ukrainians were registered on Nepalese mountains higher than 8,000m, according to the Himalayan Database, which records data related to mountaineering in the Nepalese Himalayas. Out of them, 14 Russian and six Ukrainian climbers were on Everest. According to local media reports, Nepal is expecting over 300 climbers to receive permits this year. Watch | Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv objects to Nepal issuing climbing permits to Russians, wants them to be banned

Nepal's icefall doctors are preparing for the first Everest campaign of the season. Join them as they fix ropes and anchors along the treacherous journey to the top. Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

South Asia Diary: First Everest mission of the season

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir.

The Nepali Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva is located on Lalita Ghat in Varanasi. The temple was envisaged by Nepali King Rana Bahadur Shah who was exiled from the city from 1800 to 1804. It was during his exile that he decided to build replica of Kathmandu's famous Pashupatinath temple in the city The construction of the temple was taken forward by his son King of Nepal, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.

The temple belongs to Nepal government and is one of the most famous temples of the holy city. Gopal PD Adhikari, general secretary of the committee that takes care of the Nepali temple told WION, "We will welcome (PM Deuba) with great enthusiasm and he will meet Nepali community. We are eager to welcome him".&nbsp;

The temple is also known as Kanthwala Mandir since its made of wood. Kanthwala means wood. It is built in Nepali architectural style and is also known as Mini Khajuraho.

Nepal PM will be visiting the Kashi Vishwanath using the newly inaugurated corridor. The corridor was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in December 2021.&nbsp;

In fact, PM Deuba is the first world leader to visit the corridor. The corridor connects the iconic temple to the ghats along river Ganga. Phase-1 of the corridor has been completed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores.

Nepal PM is on India visit from 1st to 3rd April. He will hold meetings with PM Modi in Delhi on 2nd April. This is his first bilateral visit outside of the country since assuming office in July 2021. He has been to Glasgow Climate Summit, which was a multilateral event. He had met PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Sources said Nepal PM's visit will, "give an opportunity to both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including development and economic partnership, trade, cooperation in health sector, power, connectivity, people to people links and other issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;

PM Deuba has previously been to India in his capacity as PM in 2017.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is due to visit Varanasi next week. During his visit Deuba will pay a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple and Nepali Temple which is also known as Shri Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir. The Nepali Temple, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva is located on Lalita Ghat in Varanasi. The temple was envisaged by Nepali King Rana Bahadur Shah who was exiled from the city from 1800 to 1804. It was during his exile that he decided to build replica of Kathmandu's famous Pashupatinath temple in the city The construction of the temple was taken forward by his son King of Nepal, Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah. The temple belongs to Nepal government and is one of the most famous temples of the holy city. Gopal PD Adhikari, general secretary of the committee that takes care of the Nepali temple told WION, "We will welcome (PM Deuba) with great enthusiasm and he will meet Nepali community. We are eager to welcome him". The temple is also known as Kanthwala Mandir since its made of wood. Kanthwala means wood. It is built in Nepali architectural style and is also known as Mini Khajuraho. Nepal PM will be visiting the Kashi Vishwanath using the newly inaugurated corridor. The corridor was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in December 2021. In fact, PM Deuba is the first world leader to visit the corridor. The corridor connects the iconic temple to the ghats along river Ganga. Phase-1 of the corridor has been completed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores. Nepal PM is on India visit from 1st to 3rd April. He will hold meetings with PM Modi in Delhi on 2nd April. This is his first bilateral visit outside of the country since assuming office in July 2021. He has been to Glasgow Climate Summit, which was a multilateral event. He had met PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit. Sources said Nepal PM's visit will, "give an opportunity to both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including development and economic partnership, trade, cooperation in health sector, power, connectivity, people to people links and other issues of mutual interest." PM Deuba has previously been to India in his capacity as PM in 2017.

Nepal PM Deuba to visit Kashi Vishwanath, Nepali Temple while in Varanasi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his three-day official visit to Kathmandu met his Nepali counterpart Dr Narayan Khadka on Saturday and discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation as both sides signed nine agreements.&nbsp;

While Khadka led a 25-member delegation from Nepal’s side, Wang led a 17-member Chinese delegation.

This is the first high-ranking official visit to Nepal since Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba took over the office in July, last year.&nbsp;

"Chinese Foreign Minister who is on a three-day official visit to Nepal held bilateral talks with his Nepali counterpart Narayan Khadka. During the meeting, the whole gamut of bilateral relations was discussed. A few agreements and MoUs were also signed,” MOFA Spokesperson Sewa Lamsal told WION.&nbsp;

The two ministers discussed all important aspects of Nepal-China relations and cooperation. They underscored the importance of the exchange of high-level visits on a regular basis in order to strengthen mutual trust and confidence and to further consolidate Nepal-China relations.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/SherBDeuba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SherBDeuba</a> today. Rt. Hon. PM witnessed the virtual completion ceremony of the Pokhara Regional International Airport. <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_China?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_China</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PaudyalBR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaudyalBR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sewa_lamsal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sewa_lamsal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ubHcXVVgfk">pic.twitter.com/ubHcXVVgfk</a>
— MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 (@MofaNepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MofaNepal/status/1507708587098853380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After their talks, the two sides signed nine MoUs related to various projects, including one on the cross-border railway, which is an important component of the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional connectivity network between Nepal and China.&nbsp;

The cross-border railway was incorporated into China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the second Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation in April 2019.&nbsp;

Both the countries have signed an agreement on -- first, Economic and Technical Cooperation, second, technical assistance scheme for China-Aid feasibility study of China-Nepal cross-border railway project, third a cooperation agreement on the feasibility study of Nepal-China power grid interconnection, fourth, protocol on the safety and health conditions for the export of Haylage from Nepal to China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-india-pms-likely-to-jointly-inaugurate-cross-border-railway-465246" hreflang="en">Nepal, India PMs likely to jointly inaugurate cross-border railway&nbsp;link</a>

Among the nine, both sides have also signed an exchange of letters on&nbsp;duty-free treatment to be provided by China to goods of Nepali origin covering 98 per cent&nbsp;tariff lines.&nbsp;

Other agreements include handover certificate of Araniko Highway Maintenance Project (Phase III), minutes of the Seventh Meeting between Nepal and China on Enhancing Cooperation in Railway Sector, protocol on Sending a Chinese Medical Team to Work in Nepal at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of RMB 600 million. The grant will be utilized for the projects mutually agreed upon between the two Governments.&nbsp;

“Foreign Minister Khadka reiterated Nepal’s commitment to One China policy and not to allow any activity against China in Nepali territory. Both sides reaffirmed their support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence of each other,” said Nepal MOFA statement.&nbsp;

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Foreign Minister Hon. Dr. Narayan Khadka and State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi witnessed the signing and exchange of agreements, MoUs and documents at Singh Durbar today after the official talks.<a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_China?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_China</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PaudyalBR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaudyalBR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sewa_lamsal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sewa_lamsal</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNLc63W6G5">pic.twitter.com/KNLc63W6G5</a>
— MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 (@MofaNepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MofaNepal/status/1507697962813513728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Khadka thanked, “thanked the Chinese side for the completion of development projects such as Araniko Highway Long-term Opening Maintenance Project (Phase III) and Pokhara International Regional Airport.”

The two Foreign Ministers stressed the need to have continued&nbsp;partnership in order to overcome the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on COVID-19 response and recovery.&nbsp;

The leaders also discussed the most pressing issue of trading border points.&nbsp;

“During the talks, both sides also focused on issues relating to trade, investment, and tourism. They underscored the need to fully operationalize the Tatopani/Zhangmu and Rasuwagadi/Kerung border ports for the two-way movement of goods between Nepal and China. The two Ministers have instructed their relevant authorities to work together to this end,” MOFA said.&nbsp;

With a view to promoting tourism and people-to-people contacts between the two countries, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to resume, at an early date, the passenger air services suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With reports claiming Chinese encroachment into Nepalese territory and setting up buildings, the two ministers agreed to carry out a joint inspection of&nbsp;Nepal-China boundary through mutual consultation.&nbsp;

“Underlining the importance of continuously maintaining Nepal-China border peaceful and tranquil in the spirit of the Boundary treaty, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to carry out joint inspection of Nepal-China boundary through mutual consultation,” the statement added.&nbsp;

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lamsal told WION that after the bilateral talks Foreign Minister Wang called on Prime Minister Deuba.&nbsp;

“For tomorrow the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold a courtesy call to President of Nepal and he will also hold talks with former PMs — KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’,” she added.&nbsp;

Later in the evening, Wang called on Prime Minister Deuba at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar here and the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.&nbsp;

Wang handed over the symbolic key of the Pokhara airport to Foreign Minister Khadka at the presence of the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

As per reports, the much-delayed $217 million projects was built with a loan from China’s Exim Bank and will start operating later this year.

“State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. PM&nbsp;@SherBDeuba&nbsp;today. Rt. Hon. PM witnessed the virtual completion ceremony of the Pokhara Regional International Airport,” MOFA said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his three-day official visit to Kathmandu met his Nepali counterpart Dr Narayan Khadka on Saturday and discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation as both sides signed nine agreements.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his three-day official visit to Kathmandu met his Nepali counterpart Dr Narayan Khadka on Saturday and discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation as both sides signed nine agreements. While Khadka led a 25-member delegation from Nepal’s side, Wang led a 17-member Chinese delegation. This is the first high-ranking official visit to Nepal since Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba took over the office in July, last year. "Chinese Foreign Minister who is on a three-day official visit to Nepal held bilateral talks with his Nepali counterpart Narayan Khadka. During the meeting, the whole gamut of bilateral relations was discussed. A few agreements and MoUs were also signed,” MOFA Spokesperson Sewa Lamsal told WION. The two ministers discussed all important aspects of Nepal-China relations and cooperation. They underscored the importance of the exchange of high-level visits on a regular basis in order to strengthen mutual trust and confidence and to further consolidate Nepal-China relations. State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. PM @SherBDeuba today. Rt. Hon. PM witnessed the virtual completion ceremony of the Pokhara Regional International Airport. @MFA_China@PaudyalBR @sewa_lamsal pic.twitter.com/ubHcXVVgfk — MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 (@MofaNepal) March 26, 2022 × After their talks, the two sides signed nine MoUs related to various projects, including one on the cross-border railway, which is an important component of the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional connectivity network between Nepal and China. The cross-border railway was incorporated into China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the second Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation in April 2019. Both the countries have signed an agreement on -- first, Economic and Technical Cooperation, second, technical assistance scheme for China-Aid feasibility study of China-Nepal cross-border railway project, third a cooperation agreement on the feasibility study of Nepal-China power grid interconnection, fourth, protocol on the safety and health conditions for the export of Haylage from Nepal to China. Also read | Nepal, India PMs likely to jointly inaugurate cross-border railway link Among the nine, both sides have also signed an exchange of letters on duty-free treatment to be provided by China to goods of Nepali origin covering 98 per cent tariff lines. Other agreements include handover certificate of Araniko Highway Maintenance Project (Phase III), minutes of the Seventh Meeting between Nepal and China on Enhancing Cooperation in Railway Sector, protocol on Sending a Chinese Medical Team to Work in Nepal at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. As per the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, China has agreed to provide Nepal with a grant of RMB 600 million. The grant will be utilized for the projects mutually agreed upon between the two Governments. “Foreign Minister Khadka reiterated Nepal’s commitment to One China policy and not to allow any activity against China in Nepali territory. Both sides reaffirmed their support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national independence of each other,” said Nepal MOFA statement. Foreign Minister Hon. Dr. Narayan Khadka and State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi witnessed the signing and exchange of agreements, MoUs and documents at Singh Durbar today after the official talks.@MFA_China@PaudyalBR @sewa_lamsal pic.twitter.com/KNLc63W6G5 — MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 (@MofaNepal) March 26, 2022 × Khadka thanked, “thanked the Chinese side for the completion of development projects such as Araniko Highway Long-term Opening Maintenance Project (Phase III) and Pokhara International Regional Airport.” The two Foreign Ministers stressed the need to have continued partnership in order to overcome the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on COVID-19 response and recovery. The leaders also discussed the most pressing issue of trading border points. “During the talks, both sides also focused on issues relating to trade, investment, and tourism. They underscored the need to fully operationalize the Tatopani/Zhangmu and Rasuwagadi/Kerung border ports for the two-way movement of goods between Nepal and China. The two Ministers have instructed their relevant authorities to work together to this end,” MOFA said. With a view to promoting tourism and people-to-people contacts between the two countries, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to resume, at an early date, the passenger air services suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With reports claiming Chinese encroachment into Nepalese territory and setting up buildings, the two ministers agreed to carry out a joint inspection of Nepal-China boundary through mutual consultation. “Underlining the importance of continuously maintaining Nepal-China border peaceful and tranquil in the spirit of the Boundary treaty, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to carry out joint inspection of Nepal-China boundary through mutual consultation,” the statement added. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lamsal told WION that after the bilateral talks Foreign Minister Wang called on Prime Minister Deuba. “For tomorrow the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold a courtesy call to President of Nepal and he will also hold talks with former PMs — KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’,” she added. Later in the evening, Wang called on Prime Minister Deuba at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar here and the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation. Wang handed over the symbolic key of the Pokhara airport to Foreign Minister Khadka at the presence of the Prime Minister. As per reports, the much-delayed $217 million projects was built with a loan from China’s Exim Bank and will start operating later this year. “State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC H.E. Mr. Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. PM @SherBDeuba today. Rt. Hon. PM witnessed the virtual completion ceremony of the Pokhara Regional International Airport,” MOFA said in a tweet.

Nepali, Chinese foreign ministers hold bilateral talks, ink 9 MoUs

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is on a 3-day visit to Nepal. As per the reports, Nepal is cautious of Belt and Road Initiative, and Chinese FM will try to boost ties with Nepal during his visit.

Chinese FM Wang Yi hopes to boost ties with Nepal

Nepal on Sunday (March 20) appointed Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma as its ambassador to India.&nbsp;

Commenting on the appointment, Ambassador Sharma expressed his commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

“I am so pleased to be appointed as the ambassador to a country of great significance and look forward to working with the government and people of India to further strengthen our relationship,” Ambassador told WION.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari appointed Sharma as per the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in line with Article 282 of the Constitution of Nepal.&nbsp;

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on November 26, 2021, had recommended Sharma’s name for the post of Nepal’s Ambassador to India.

The post had been vacant after previous Nepal envoy Nilambar Acharya, who assumed office in 2019, returned to Nepal in September 2021.

Sharma had earlier served as Nepal’s Ambassador to the United States. He also worked as Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission between 2002 and 2006.

Sharma, who is a veteran economist, had also served as the chief advisor at the Ministry of Finance.

Nepal on Sunday (March 20) appointed Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma as its ambassador to India. Commenting on the appointment, Ambassador Sharma expressed his commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Nepal on Sunday (March 20) appointed Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma as its ambassador to India. Commenting on the appointment, Ambassador Sharma expressed his commitment to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. “I am so pleased to be appointed as the ambassador to a country of great significance and look forward to working with the government and people of India to further strengthen our relationship,” Ambassador told WION. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari appointed Sharma as per the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in line with Article 282 of the Constitution of Nepal. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on November 26, 2021, had recommended Sharma’s name for the post of Nepal’s Ambassador to India. The post had been vacant after previous Nepal envoy Nilambar Acharya, who assumed office in 2019, returned to Nepal in September 2021. Sharma had earlier served as Nepal’s Ambassador to the United States. He also worked as Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission between 2002 and 2006. Sharma, who is a veteran economist, had also served as the chief advisor at the Ministry of Finance.

Newly appointed Nepal envoy to India says it's a 'country of great significance'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on March 25 to meet key leaders. This is the first visit by a senior Chinese government official to Nepal since President Xi Jinping’s visit in October 2019.&nbsp;

“At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Dr. Narayan Khadka, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi is visiting Nepal from 25 to 27 March 2022,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

During the visit, Wang will pay courtesy calls to President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba.&nbsp;

On March 26, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Khadka and State Councilor Wang Yi will hold bilateral talks, leading their respective delegations.&nbsp;

This visit comes in the wake of parliamentary ratification of Millennium Challenge Corporation’s $500 million Nepal Compact. The ratification of the compact was a major setback for China.&nbsp;

State Councilor Wang Yi will also meet with former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli, and former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

Ahead of the MCC endorsement, leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) had held a series of video conferences with their Nepali counterparts, considered close to China — CPN-US chair Madhav Kumar Nepal and JSP chair Upendra Yadav.

As per sources, there was continuous pressure on leaders of Communist parties of Nepal to not support the MCC ratification.

Apart from the above-mentioned issues, the ties between Nepal and China since the beginning of the pandemic have been turbulent.

There are some alarming issues between two countries which needs to be focused on: China’s ‘undeclared blockade’— the full-fledged reopening of the northern border points–Rashuwagadhi and Tatopani, which are major trading points between Nepal and China,&nbsp;

Also, problems faced by Nepali students enrolled in various Chinese universities who had to return home abruptly due to the pandemic, the long-standing border dispute.&nbsp;

In May 2016, former PM KP Oli signed a Transit and Transportation Agreement with the Chinese government, which would theoretically enable Nepal to make use of Chinese ports. There has been no progress in the implementation of the deal since 2016, and this is partially due to turbulent political changes in the country.&nbsp;

Although Nepal and China signed the Framework Agreement on the BRI in May 2017, four months before Nepal signed the MCC compact with the United States, there has not been any desirable progress. Under BRI, not a single project has taken off in Nepal so far.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on March 25 to meet key leaders. This is the first visit by a senior Chinese government official to Nepal since President Xi Jinping’s visit in October 2019.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on March 25 to meet key leaders. This is the first visit by a senior Chinese government official to Nepal since President Xi Jinping’s visit in October 2019. “At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Dr. Narayan Khadka, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi is visiting Nepal from 25 to 27 March 2022,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During the visit, Wang will pay courtesy calls to President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba. On March 26, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Khadka and State Councilor Wang Yi will hold bilateral talks, leading their respective delegations. This visit comes in the wake of parliamentary ratification of Millennium Challenge Corporation’s $500 million Nepal Compact. The ratification of the compact was a major setback for China. State Councilor Wang Yi will also meet with former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli, and former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. Ahead of the MCC endorsement, leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) had held a series of video conferences with their Nepali counterparts, considered close to China — CPN-US chair Madhav Kumar Nepal and JSP chair Upendra Yadav. As per sources, there was continuous pressure on leaders of Communist parties of Nepal to not support the MCC ratification. Apart from the above-mentioned issues, the ties between Nepal and China since the beginning of the pandemic have been turbulent. There are some alarming issues between two countries which needs to be focused on: China’s ‘undeclared blockade’— the full-fledged reopening of the northern border points–Rashuwagadhi and Tatopani, which are major trading points between Nepal and China, Also, problems faced by Nepali students enrolled in various Chinese universities who had to return home abruptly due to the pandemic, the long-standing border dispute. In May 2016, former PM KP Oli signed a Transit and Transportation Agreement with the Chinese government, which would theoretically enable Nepal to make use of Chinese ports. There has been no progress in the implementation of the deal since 2016, and this is partially due to turbulent political changes in the country. Although Nepal and China signed the Framework Agreement on the BRI in May 2017, four months before Nepal signed the MCC compact with the United States, there has not been any desirable progress. Under BRI, not a single project has taken off in Nepal so far.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Nepal from March 25 to 27

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will soon attend 5th BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. He is due to attend the summit on March 30 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The seven-nation BIMSTEC, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand was founded in 1997.

“The Prime Minister will attend the summit. This is a regional grouping and we would like to see more concrete work,” Prakash Sharan Mahat, ruling Nepali Congress Spokesperson told WION.

“Through BIMSTEC not much is happening. Earlier on the basis of the principles, many agreements were reached between the countries. But in reality, in terms of a regional corporation not much has happened. So, we would like to see it’s working in concrete terms,” he added.

Earlier in January, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC H.E. Tenzin Lekphell, on his visit to Nepal, appreciated Nepal’s contribution in advancing the process of the organisation.

Lekphell had called on foreign minister Dr Narayan Khadka and stated that the fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu was an important milestone in streamlining the areas of cooperation and institutional strengthening of the organisation.

Expressing Nepal’s commitment to contribute constructively to help BIMSTEC make further advances, Khadka underlined the need to fifth summit to build on the progress made thus far and to provide significant breakthroughs towards realising the regional aspirations.

Among the seven members of the BIMSTEC, five are also members of the dysfunctional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will soon attend 5th BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. He is due to attend the summit on March 30 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will soon attend 5th BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. He is due to attend the summit on March 30 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The seven-nation BIMSTEC, comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand was founded in 1997. “The Prime Minister will attend the summit. This is a regional grouping and we would like to see more concrete work,” Prakash Sharan Mahat, ruling Nepali Congress Spokesperson told WION. “Through BIMSTEC not much is happening. Earlier on the basis of the principles, many agreements were reached between the countries. But in reality, in terms of a regional corporation not much has happened. So, we would like to see it’s working in concrete terms,” he added. Earlier in January, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC H.E. Tenzin Lekphell, on his visit to Nepal, appreciated Nepal’s contribution in advancing the process of the organisation. Lekphell had called on foreign minister Dr Narayan Khadka and stated that the fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu was an important milestone in streamlining the areas of cooperation and institutional strengthening of the organisation. Expressing Nepal’s commitment to contribute constructively to help BIMSTEC make further advances, Khadka underlined the need to fifth summit to build on the progress made thus far and to provide significant breakthroughs towards realising the regional aspirations. Among the seven members of the BIMSTEC, five are also members of the dysfunctional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Nepal PM Deuba to visit Sri Lanka for BIMSTEC summit

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey.&nbsp;

At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’.

Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event.&nbsp;

Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-500-nepalis-leave-ukraine-others-stranded-in-kyiv-await-rescue-459453">Also read |&nbsp;Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue&nbsp;</a>

On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines.

The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts.

As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.”

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.&nbsp;

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”. A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey. At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’. Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event. Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.” Also read | Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines. The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts. As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.” Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.

Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has been coordinating with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine.&nbsp;

The government and the NRNA have recently formed a high-level committee to support the stranded Nepalis. &nbsp;

Chief patron and founder president of NRNA&nbsp;National Coordination Council (NCC)&nbsp;Poland,&nbsp;Bodha Raj Subedi spoke to WION and expressed concerns over the safety of Nepalis in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Subedi said that over 500 Nepali nationals have left Ukraine and moved to various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, among others.

“We got to know that there are 800-900 Nepali nationals in Ukraine, of them more than 500 have moved to different countries. On record, there were only 400 Nepali nationals in Ukraine and later we were told there are more. Many Nepalis moved to Ukraine just before the crisis so there is no record of them but still, we are trying to evacuate them,” Subedi told WION.&nbsp;

He acknowledged that the tense situation in the country is making it difficult to carry out rescue operation.&nbsp;

“There are around 60 Nepali nationals whom we were able to contact still stranded in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine. However, we are not aware of others,” he added.&nbsp;

Subedi said many Nepalis do not wish to go home and are rather ready to seek shelter in neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

“I personally guided them from the Ukrainian border to Poland. I provided shelter and food to almost 235 Nepalis and now one-third of them have moved to other countries like Germany. While almost 60 are still with me. There were majorly students and workers and a few families with children,” he added.&nbsp;

Subedi, who has been living in Poland for over 30 years now, said, “We do not have many financial and human resources to help a large number of people. However, we have also helped a few Nigerians and to almost 20 Ukrainians with shelter and food.”

He also confirmed that a Nepali national named Pratap Basnet has joined Ukrainian Army and has decided to fight for the country.&nbsp;

In a video message, Basnet said, “Ukraine is fighting a war against Russia now. As a true patriot I decided to line up on Ukraine's side, in this war to safeguard the sovereignty,” Basnet said, adding, “Ukraine is in dire need of assistance at this time. I am proud to be part of the Ukraine army and fight the war.”

The NRNA Poland has confirmed that the Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals from Ukraine.&nbsp;

“The Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals. The Nepal Embassy in Berlin is coordinating with the Ukrainian officials to help and evacuate the rest of Nepalis,” Subedi said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Issuing an advisory, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany, said, “Nepali nationals who are still stranded in Kyiv, Kharkiv or elsewhere in Ukraine and are in contact with the Indian community or individual friends, may join them for evacuation or translocation to the western and southern territory.”

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced hundreds and thousands, including Nepali nationals, to flee to the neighbouring countries while many remaining stranded in the war-torn country are awaiting instructions to evacuate the country. The Nepal government has been coordinating with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine. The government and the NRNA have recently formed a high-level committee to support the stranded Nepalis. Chief patron and founder president of NRNA National Coordination Council (NCC) Poland, Bodha Raj Subedi spoke to WION and expressed concerns over the safety of Nepalis in Ukraine. Subedi said that over 500 Nepali nationals have left Ukraine and moved to various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova, among others. “We got to know that there are 800-900 Nepali nationals in Ukraine, of them more than 500 have moved to different countries. On record, there were only 400 Nepali nationals in Ukraine and later we were told there are more. Many Nepalis moved to Ukraine just before the crisis so there is no record of them but still, we are trying to evacuate them,” Subedi told WION. He acknowledged that the tense situation in the country is making it difficult to carry out rescue operation. “There are around 60 Nepali nationals whom we were able to contact still stranded in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine. However, we are not aware of others,” he added. Subedi said many Nepalis do not wish to go home and are rather ready to seek shelter in neighbouring countries. “I personally guided them from the Ukrainian border to Poland. I provided shelter and food to almost 235 Nepalis and now one-third of them have moved to other countries like Germany. While almost 60 are still with me. There were majorly students and workers and a few families with children,” he added. Subedi, who has been living in Poland for over 30 years now, said, “We do not have many financial and human resources to help a large number of people. However, we have also helped a few Nigerians and to almost 20 Ukrainians with shelter and food.” He also confirmed that a Nepali national named Pratap Basnet has joined Ukrainian Army and has decided to fight for the country. In a video message, Basnet said, “Ukraine is fighting a war against Russia now. As a true patriot I decided to line up on Ukraine's side, in this war to safeguard the sovereignty,” Basnet said, adding, “Ukraine is in dire need of assistance at this time. I am proud to be part of the Ukraine army and fight the war.” The NRNA Poland has confirmed that the Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals from Ukraine. “The Indian government has rescued two Nepali nationals. The Nepal Embassy in Berlin is coordinating with the Ukrainian officials to help and evacuate the rest of Nepalis,” Subedi said. Issuing an advisory, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany, said, “Nepali nationals who are still stranded in Kyiv, Kharkiv or elsewhere in Ukraine and are in contact with the Indian community or individual friends, may join them for evacuation or translocation to the western and southern territory.”

Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue 

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