Kathmandu – A 23-member European Union (EU) delegation including Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission from EU member states is visiting Nepal on a two-day high-level mission aimed at strengthening relations with the new Balendra Shah-led government.
The delegation led by EU Ambassador to Nepal Véronique Lorenzo is undertaking the visit from May 25 to 26 as “an opportunity to meet the new Balendra Shah government and reaffirm the strong ties between the EU and Nepal.”
On Monday, the delegation is scheduled to hold talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sasmit Pokharel. The ambassadors will also meet private sector leaders, civil society representatives and youth leaders.
During the visit, the delegation will take part in high-level discussions with Nepal’s leadership including a meeting with Prime Minister Balendra Shah scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
The meeting will mark Shah’s second interaction with diplomats since he collectively met Kathmandu-based ambassadors on April 8.
The EU delegation aims to reaffirm its support for Nepal in areas including development, trade, climate change and multilateral cooperation during the visit.
“This mission underscores the EU’s commitment to Nepal. We are here to congratulate the new government, reaffirm our support for Nepal’s development priorities and explore new avenues for cooperation from trade and investment to climate action and multilateral issues. Together, as Team Europe, we stand ready to work with Nepal to build a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future,” EU Ambassador Lorenzo said.
In a statement issued by the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, the EU said it “remains one of Nepal’s largest and most reliable international partners.”
“The EU and its Member States work closely with government institutions, civil society and the private sector to support inclusive economic growth, democratic governance, education and sustainable development across the country,” the statement added.
The delegation comprises ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
