Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday called for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, green energy and tourism during a meeting with visiting ambassadors and heads of mission from European Union (EU) in Kathmandu.
The meeting held at Singha Durbar comes as Nepal is stepping up diplomatic efforts to secure its removal from the European Union Air Safety List, a ban that has kept Nepali airlines from operating in European skies for more than a decade.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister said the government was focused on attracting foreign investment, improving governance and expanding Nepal’s access to global markets. He also highlighted climate action, innovation and sustainable development as key priorities for the government.
While the Prime Minister outlined Nepal’s broader economic and diplomatic priorities, there was no public mention of the country’s long-standing inclusion on the EU Air Safety List, an issue that has increasingly become a major focus for Kathmandu in recent months.
On Monday, Nepal formally requested support for its removal from the blacklist during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and the visiting EU delegation.
The delegation is currently on a two-day visit to Nepal aimed at strengthening political, economic and development cooperation.
Earlier on Tuesday, the ambassadors met with private-sector representatives andentrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities and potential partnerships between European and Nepali businesses particularly in innovation and sustainable sectors.
The delegation also held discussions with civil society representatives where issues including freedom of expression, gender equality and accountability were raised.
Diplomats attending the meeting included representatives from EU member states as well as countries including the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Russia, Norway, Brazil and Malaysia.
Nepal has remained on the European Union Air Safety List since 2013 following concerns over aviation oversight and safety standards.
In recent years, Nepali authorities have repeatedly argued that the country has made significant improvements in aviation regulation and safety mechanisms.
