The bilateral visit begins with Moscow, where the Minister is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on November 25.

Gyawali will also be visiting the Institute of International Relations in Moscow to address on Nepal-Russia relations and cooperation, on November 26, 2019.

He will also hold discussions with Russian politicians and Non-resident Nepali community in Moscow.

After Moscow, the Minister will travel to Belgrade, where he will hold bilateral discussions with Evica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. He is also scheduled to pay courtesy to Serbia’s high-level dignitaries.

In Belgrade, the Foreign Minister will also participate in an interaction program with the local Chambers of Commerce and Travel and Tour operators on lines of investment and tourism promotion.

Surprisingly, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Nepal-Serbia diplomatic relations!

Nepali Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and Nepali Ambassador to Russian Federation Rishi Ram Ghimire and other government officials are accompanying Gyawali during his Russia visit.

While on Serbia visit, Foreign Secretary Bairagi, Non-residential Ambassador of Nepal to Serbia Ramesh Prasad Khanal and other government officials will join the Foreign Minister.

Gyawali is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on November 30, 2019.

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According to the Nepal Foreign Affairs Ministry press release, the two countries’ representatives held talks on matters of mutual interest including taking bilateral relations further, promoting tourism in Nepal and Maldives, mutual efforts to counter the impacts of climate change and cooperation in the regional and global arena.

Later on, President Solih asked the Nepali Foreign Minister to convey his best wishes regards to the Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

As part of Gyawali’s visit to Maldives, the Minister also met with Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in the morning on September 04, 2019.

“We discussed various aspects of our relations. I requested him to further encourage Singapore’s FDI in Nepal and thanked him for facilitating the treatment for our PM,” tweeted Gyawali.

Had a cordial meeting with HE Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of SINGAPORE this morning. We discussed on various aspects of our relations. I requested him to further encourage Singapore’s FDI in Nepal and thanked him for facilitating the treatment for our PM. pic.twitter.com/RTYqTC12Z3

— Pradeep Gyawali (@PradeepgyawaliK) September 4, 2019

Maldives Foreign Minister Shahid invited Minister Gyawali to lunch on September 03, 2019. On the same day, Minister Gyawali attended dinner hosted by the Maldives President held in honor of visiting dignitaries.

The Nepal Foreign Minister also attended and addressed the Fourth Indian Ocean Conference (IoC).

Speaking at the conference, the Nepal Foreign Minister said that Nepal supports peace, security and abides by international laws in terms of sea usage.

He also stressed on the importance of creating a framework on the basis of inclusiveness, partnership and collaboration among all countries, with effective utilization of resources and sharing benefits earned by all states, including Nepal.

Challenges of International Trade Through the Indian Ocean

The Nepal Minister also drew audience attention to Nepal’s concern on international trade through the Indian Ocean that is plagued by non-traditional security threats such as piracy, illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons, human trafficking. Speaking in this regard, he called for collective action from members present at the conference to address these threats in an effective manner.

Connecting Landlocked Nepal to the Indian Ocean

He also shared with the international community Nepal’s plans to establish seamless air, road and water connectivity to facilitate trade and transit. He also talked about developing inland waterways in big rivers in collaboration with India and commencing the operation of Nepal’s own big ships in international waterways.

Adverse Impacts of Climate Change on Mountain Countries

He talked about how heavily the impacts of climate change weigh on mountain countries and islands. At the same time, he drew attention to Nepal’s current state affected by the impacts of climate change, without actually being the cause of the problem.

Highlighting the interdependence of the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean, he stressed on the need for protecting and maintaining the ecological balance in the Himalayas by addressing climate change challenges.

He also invited dignitaries at the Fourth IoC to attend Nepal’s first ever international conference Sagarmatha Sambad on contemporary global issues including climate change and global warming.

Related Article:-

• Nepal FM Pradeep Gyawali Extends ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’ Invite to Maldivian Counterpart

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Sharing their grief, many foreign leaders expressed their condolences on the death of Swaraj including Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Taking to Twitter, PM Oli wrote how he is deeply shocked to know about the demise of Sushma Swaraj. The Nepali PM expressed his deepest condolences to the Indian Government, all Indians and Swaraj’s family members.

Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Smt. Sushma Swaraj, a senior political leader of India and former External Affairs Minister. Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Government and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members.

— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) August 7, 2019

Swaraj’s Nepali counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also expressed his condolences tweeting that he was deeply saddened by the untimely death of the former Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Ji, describing her as a leader with commitment, vision and spirituality.

The Nepali Foreign Minister also recalled how he had worked closely with Swaraj to strengthen bilateral ties while she was still in office.

Swaraj was born on February 14, 1952 and served as an Indian politician and Supreme Court Lawyer. She became India’s External Affairs Minister in 2014.

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On the sidelines of the session, he also had bilateral meetings with First Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell Barr and Union Minister for International Cooperation of Myanmar Kyaw Tin.

According to Minister Gyawali, the country representatives discussed various matters of bilateral interests and regional & multilateral cooperation.

The Nepal Foreign Minister also met UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and shared Nepal’s experience on the peace process, democratic transition, legislative measures and inclusive development approach.

He also said that Nepal has shifted its focus to addressing issues related to truth and reconciliation, in alignment with the concerns of victims, the Nepal Supreme Court’s verdict and relevant international commitments.

In the meeting with World Health Organization Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Gyawali and the WHO Director General spoke about enhancing partnership with WHO on universal health coverage, maternal health and quality health services.

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During his visit, the Britain Minister affirmed UK’s commitment of continued support towards Nepal’s socio-economic development.

Minister Gyawali also expressed his gratitude for Britain’s continued cooperation to Nepal.

In the meeting, the two countries’ representatives shared views on Nepal-Britain bilateral relations and several other areas of mutual interest.

 “We held discussions on British support to Nepal for development and construction, the peace process and emergency cooperation, and the views of Nepal and its people towards the UK, a reliable partner in Nepal’s development,” informed Minister Gyawali.

The Nepal Foreign Minister also spoke to Minister Lancaster about addressing ex-British Gurkha soldiers demands and evaluating their contribution, without limiting the scope of resolving their issues to the financial aspect. The British side also received this request positively.

Let’s see what new progress awaits both nations, after the ministerial-level meeting.

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• Some interesting facts about ‘Gurkha Soldiers’ that might surprise you!

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In this regard, Gyawali reportedly urged the Indian side to accept the report given by the EPG team pertaining to bilateral ties.

“The EPG was a wise initiative. It was based on the realization that all bilateral aspects should be reviewed according to new paradigm of the 21st century. I am confident that it will be submitted and implemented,” said Gyawali, speaking on India’s reluctance to Nepal-India EPG report on Indo-Nepal ties.

Gyawali was in India to attend the Raisina Dialogue 2019 during January 08-10, 2019.

The BackGround

Earlier on June 30, 2018, the Indo-Nepal EPG met to address key gaps concerning bilateral ties of both nations and come up with a joint-report on the same.

The meeting ended with important recommendations including the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty, new regulations for Indo-Nepal border crossing and measures to control trafficking and terrorism, among others.

While the report has been prepared and shared with both government heads, the Indian side is not pleased with the recommendations of the report.

Nepal said that India cannot raise questions about the report since it was prepared by a joint team that was nominated and appointed by both countries ruling governments, while expressing concern over the situation.

Nepal Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota said that Nepal Government cannot even imagine that India will not accept the EPG report, as it was jointly prepared by both nations.

Moreover, he said that Nepal is hopeful of the report’s early implementation, which seeks to redefine Nepal-India relations in the wake of Nepal’s changed political scenario, answering media queries.

“EPG was formed following an understanding reached between the prime ministers of both countries and the report was prepared by members nominated and accepted by both countries, so Nepal does not think that India will not receive the EPG report,” adds Baskota.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been hesitating to meet the Indian EPG side who have to submit the EPG report.

They have been seeking an appointment with Modi since the last five months but have not been successful owing to his busy schedule.

According to sources, Modi is not happy with some of the joint report’s recommendations.

Minister Baskota opines that if India continued to avoid the report, it may result in indifference between the two nations bilateral relations.

The contents of the report have not been revealed, however, a section of Indian policymakers and strategy builders have already expressed dissatisfaction over its contents.

A few recent media reports indicate that Modi has been advised against the reception of the EPG report as it calls for revision of some ‘unequal’ treaties, going against India’s interests.

Indian ruling party leader Vijay Jolly said publicly that the report was unacceptable for India, during his visit to Kathmandu.

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The meeting was represented by Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali and Japan Foreign Minister Kano

Listed below are some of the key discussions held between Nepal and Japan:

• Under the Nepal-Japan air service agreement, both countries have decided to review and re-establish direct air service between Nepal and Japan. After this, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) will be able to send flights to Osaka and Narita airports in Japan

The national airlines carrier has decided to resume its operation in Japan by the end of February 2019, after nearly a decade

• The two sides also agreed to construct the secretariat-level mechanism to lay emphasis on Nepal’s economic development with Japan’s contribution in areas of agriculture, energy, infrastructure, human resource development, and tourism
• Facilitating the entry of Nepali workers employment in Japan, both sides agreed to negotiate further on the subject
• At the delegation level, Nepal has sought Japan’s aid to complete the housing project and build an earthquake museum among other reconstruction projects
• The Nepali side has asked Japan for assistance in the construction of its East-West Railway and establishing a Public Service Broadcasting setup

During Kano’s Nepal visit, he will also be meeting President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Japan Foreign Minister Meets Nepal Prime Minister

As part of the two-day visit, Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kano met Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar on January 11, 2019.

During the meeting, PM Oli thanked Japan for its continued support in Nepal’s social and economic development fields. According to PM Oli’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Rajan Bhattarai, Oli also urged Minister Kano to extend support in Nepal’s priority development areas including modernization of agriculture, energy generation, infrastructure development, and other sectors.

In return, the Japanese Minister pledged his country’s continued support to Nepal, Bhattarai added.

Kano also stressed the need for the development of regional institutions like SAARC and BIMSTEC, expressing Japan’s readiness to support such initiatives.

Bhattarai also said that the following additional areas were discussed by both countries’ representatives:

• Expansion of Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road stretch
• Nagdhunga-Naubise tunnel works
• Employment opportunity for Nepali workers in Japan and several other areas of mutual cooperation

Looks like Nepal and Japan have headed for a strengthened bilateral tie-up!

The post Nepal, Japan Sign New MoUs, Discuss Other Bilateral Issues appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

The Japan Government approved a new labor policy on December 25, 2018, which allows Nepali workers to find employment in its labor market under blue-collar visas.

According to Nepal Labor, Employment and Social Security Ministry Secretary Mahesh Prasad Dahal, the Ministry has started drafting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the same.

Nepal and Japan will likely discuss the Nepali workers’ migration pact when Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono’s visits Kathmandu on January 09, 2018 for two days.

“Keeping Japanese Foreign Minister’s visit on mind, we have begun coming up with a draft MoU, which we can share during his trip,” Dahal said.

The Japanese Minister was invited by Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on his visit to Tokyo in November 2018. Nepal Labor Ministry officials hope that the Japanese official will also prepare a draft MoU or come up with one during his visit.

Nepal and Japan have been holding discussions on sending Nepali laborers to Japan via the government to government model.

Earlier, Nepal Minister Labor, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista and Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Masamichi Saigo also held series of discussions to outline the prospects of creating job opportunities for Nepali migrant workers in Japan.

According to Dahal, the two governments will be able to reach a common understanding on the final deal only after considering the draft deals.

“Both governments also need to discuss the possible modality of labor migration before signing any formal agreement,” he added.

Japan’s New Labor Policy

According to the new policy, about 345,000 foreign workers will be permitted to work in 14 Japanese industrial sectors such as agriculture & fishing, food processing, food servicing, the hotel industry, and nursing, during the first five years.

Japan has opened its labor market to laborers from China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam besides Nepal.

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President Bidya Devi Bhandari, along with various other lawmakers of the related thematic committee in Nepali Parliament and senior government officials, is going to represent Nepal at the conference.

Currently, the preparations are underway for the President’s Poland visit from December 1-5, 2018, informed the country’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali.

As part of the conference, President Bhandari would make a strong pitch to the global audience about climate change concerns for human life, especially to those in the underdeveloped countries like Nepal, despite its contribution to the menace.

In this regard, Bhandari will also inform the global community about Nepal’s climate change challenges and its efforts over the period towards mitigating associated risks.

Gyawali on Japan Visit
Prior to President’s trip, Gyawali is also going on a separate bilateral visit to Japan November 17, 2018.

Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of Investment Board of Nepal, Gyawali’s trip is also focused on Japanese investment in Nepal besides infrastructure projects.

“We will explore the possibility of Japanese investment in road, railway and modernization of agriculture. Discussions will also be held to explore the possibility of sending skilled and semi-skilled Nepali workers to Japanese job market,” said Gyawali.

As part of the trip, Gyawali will also participate in a meeting with the Japan-Nepal Parliamentary Forum officials and Nepali diaspora in Japan, among others.

During this visit, the Foreign Minister will also visit Osaka to see the status of development projects and also assess the possibility of bringing in Japanese technology to Nepal.

On his way back from the Japanese trip, Gyawali is scheduled to visit Thailand to have a glance at activities of the Nepalese Embassy in Bangkok. Besides, he will also hold meeting with government officials and representatives of various Asia-Pacific regional offices in Bangkok.

Hope the aforementioned foreign visits add to the global stature of Nepal and also contribute to the local development.

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Nepal is currently pursuing ways to work out the plan under a government-government deal between the two countries.

Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali is expected to discuss about the same with Japanese government authorities in his upcoming bilateral visit to Japan on November 17, 2018.

“We want to have government to government deal in this respect,” said Gyawali in an official statement, while informing that the agreement involves both skilled and unskilled Nepali workers.

Besides the labor deal, Nepal is also looking at opportunities from Japan’s agro-based technology and also discuss key aspects of Nepal-Japan bilateral ties as part of the meeting, informed the Minister.

Gyawali on Recent Developments in South Asia
Speaking to the media, Gyawali also spoke on some recent developments in South Asian countries pertaining to Bhutan and Sri Lanka. “It was interesting development taking place in Bhutan where democracy is thriving,” said Gyawali, adding that they are also closely watching Sri Lanka without making any emphasis on its internal affairs.

As part of the press conference, Gyawali emphasized on Nepal’s long-standing position on Bhutanese refugees calling for preservation of their rights to return to homeland.

“I met with senior officials from International Migration Organization (IOM) and UN refugee agency. Our position is clear, those left (around 6,900) should be repatriated to Bhutan and others settled in third country, should have rights to return to Bhutan,” said Gyawali.

Speaking further on UN and IMO’s assurance to repatriate the refugees, Gyawali said, “I will remind you all one thing, while in the initial days of their third country settlement, UN refugee agency and IOM had assured us they would lobby with Bhutan for repatriation of those left in camps.”

“It is sad to see that their assurance has not worked yet. The old and helpless people are living in camps now. They should return to Bhutan,” he added.

In this regard, he said Nepal Government will speak with the new Bhutanese Government on the repatriation of all those Bhutanese refugees lying in refugee camps of the eastern district of Nepal in Jhapa.

Striking out misconceptions on support to refugees, Gyawali said Nepal Government has done its best to the refugees and every contribution has to be taken into consideration when it comes to local support.

Gyawali also informed about the appointment of new ambassadors soon and announced about President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s Poland visit from December 1-5, 2018 for the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP 24).

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