MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs

16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singha Durbar,

www.mofa.gov.np MoFA Bulletin

Inside This Issue

A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS 2 B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS 5 C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS 8 D. PROTOCOL AFFAIRS 9 E. SERVICE DELIVERY 11

A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS

CHINESE DEFENSE MINISTER VISITS

State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of Mr. paid a one-day working visit to Nepal on 29 November 2020.

During the visit, Mr. Fenghe paid courtesy calls on Mrs. , the and Mr. K P Sharma Oli, the Mr. Wei Fenge, State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of Prime Minister and Defense China and his delegation paying a courtesy call on the President of Nepal Minister of Nepal. Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including the matters of further promoting traditionally friendly relations between Nepal and China.

The visiting dignitary also met with General Purna Mr. Wei Fenghe, State Councilor and Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of Chandra Thapa, Chief of the China paying a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Army Staff of Nepal.

NEPAL AND CHINA ANNOUNCE NEW HEIGHT OF MOUNT SAGARMATHA

Nepal and China jointly meters) amidst a special Affairs and Ms. Padma announced the new height ceremony on 8 December Kumari Aryal, Minister of Mount Sagarmatha/ 2020. Mr. Pradeep Kumar for Land Management, Zhumulangma (8848.86 Gyawali, Minister for Foreign Cooperatives and Poverty

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Alleviation from the Nepali side and Mr. , State Councilor and Foreign Minister, and Mr. , Minister of Natural Resources from the Chinese side jointly unveiled the new height.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Announcing the New Height of Mount Sagarmatha

NEPAL RECEIVES MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FROM CAMOBODIA

Minister for Health and Population Mr. , on behalf of the , received medical assistance for combating COVID-19 pandemic from the Government of Cambodia. Mr. Ouch Borith, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister of Cambodia and Hand-over of Medical Equipments by Cambodia to Nepal Standing Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International hundred thousand fabric during a ceremony organized Cooperation handed over the face masks, 20 thousand face at the Tribhuvan International medical supplies, including shields and 20 ventilator Airport on 4 January 2021. 2 million surgical masks, 1 machines, among others,

FOREIGN SECRETARY OF VISITS NEPAL

At the invitation of Foreign Secretary of Nepal Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Foreign Secretary of India Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Nepal on 26-27 November 2020. During the visit, the two foreign secretaries held bilateral meetings, leading their respective delegations.

The meeting reviewed The Foreign Secretary of Nepal welcoming the Foreign Secretary of India. various aspects of Nepal- India relations covering agriculture, investment, The two sides also reviewed trade, transit, connectivity, culture, people to people with satisfaction the progress infrastructure, energy, relations, among others. made with regard to bilateral 3 MoFA Bulletin

cooperation projects, including key connectivity projects and post-earthquake reconstruction works. They also discussed the boundary matters and exchanged views on completing boundary work in the remaining segments. Both sides shared their Working luncheon hosted by the Foreign Secretary in honour of visiting experiences on the efforts Indian Foreign Secretary made to fight against expressed appreciation to related medical supplies and Covid-19 pandemic. The the equipment to Nepal. Foreign Secretary of Nepal for the support of Covid-19 NEPAL AND CANADA HOLD BILATERAL CONSULTATION MEETING

The second meeting of Nepal- Canada Bilateral Consultation Mechanism was held virtually on 11 December 2020. Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal and Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs of Canada Mr. Paul Thoppil led their respective delegations. Nepal-Canada 2nd Bilateral Consultation Meeting A wide range of matters first BCM meeting. people-to-people contacts. relating to bilateral relations They agreed to continue Both sides exchanged views and cooperation were cooperation through various on trade and investment, discussed, while reviewing mechanisms in the collective education, tourism and the progress made since the fight against the pandemic. BILATERAL CONSULTATION MECHANISM MEETING BETWEEN NEPAL AND POLAND

The second meeting of Nepal- Sobkow led their respective trade, investment, technology Poland Bilateral Consultation delegations. transfer and tourism sectors. Mechanism was held on 13 In the context of increasing The two sides exchanged January 2021 through video- Nepali diaspora in Poland, views on recent developments conference. Joint Secretary the two sides also discussed in both the countries of Europe and the Americas people to people contacts, including the challenges Division of the Ministry cultural and educational posed by COVID-19, Mr. Nirmal Raj Kafle, and cooperation, and potential importance of the exchange Director of Asia and Pacific employment opportunities. of high-level visits, economic at the Ministry of Foreign partnerships in the area of Affairs of Poland Mr. Witold 4 16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3

B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS

MESSAGE BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE OCCASION OF THE 36TH SAARC CHARTER DAY Prime Minister K P Sharma mutual understanding and Oli extended warm greetings cooperation in the region in and best wishes to all the its journey of thirty-six years. peoples and Member States of The Prime Minister stated the SAARC on the occasion that while commemorating of the 36th Charter Day of the Charter Day, Covid-19 the South Asian Association pandemic presents an The Prime Minister for Regional Cooperation unprecedented challenge (SAARC). In his message, will and commitment. Giving affecting not only health and Prime Minister Oli expressed fresh impetus to the stalled economy but also social life that the SAARC Charter SAARC process including and livelihoods in the region characterizes South Asia’s through the early convening and beyond. He said that shared vision, collective of the Summit can rekindle the situation underlines the resolve and mutual pursuit hope among our people and importance of more concerted to promote peace, stability provide ground to move efforts, collaboration and and prosperity in the region forward, he added. cooperation among the through eradication of Member States of SAARC in The Prime Minister wished poverty, accelerated economic order to collectively emerge that the special day will growth and advancement in from the pandemic. The Prime inspire all of us to foster socio-cultural development. Minister also said that time mutual trust, understanding He said that SAARC has has come to move forward and cooperation as well as to achieved several important with concrete action in the deepen regional integration milestones as a common ground with needed political for peace and prosperity. forum for promoting

FOREIGN MINISTER LAUNCHES HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2020

Foreign Minister Mr. launched Human Development Report 2020 amid a special function organized by UNDP Nepal on 16 December 2020. On the occasion, the Foreign Minister highlighted that the HDI report 2020 has re-interpreted The Foreign Minister launching Human Development Report 2020 the concept of human development, incorporating about planetary and social easing planetary pressures as the issues of climate imbalances, calls for a just a need for whole-of-society change and environmental transformation that extends response, he stated. degradation. The report talks human freedoms while

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FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES THE PROGRAMME “BUILDING RESILIENCE OF MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES”

Foreign Minister addressed Development and Research mountain and its ecosystem, the programme “Building Centre on 12 December while underlining the need Resilience of Mountain 2020. In his address, the for collective actions in Communities in the face of Foreign Minister stressed building the resilience of Climate Crisis” organized the disproportionate impact mountain communities. by Karnali Integrated Rural of climate change on the

FIRST MEETING OF SAARC PLANNING MINISTERS CONCLUDES

The First Meeting of Raj Kandel led Nepali in the socio-economic the SAARC Planning delegation to the Meeting. development of the region. Ministers, organized by the The Ministers and Heads The Meeting adopted the Government of Pakistan of Delegation shared their Report of the First Meeting with the theme, ‘Achieving experiences pertaining to of the SAARC Planning the Sustainable Development the effects of COVID-19 Secretaries held virtually Goals (SDGs) in South Pandemic in implementation on 23 November 2020 Asia: Shaping the SAARC of SDGs in their respective covering matters relating to Vision-2030’ was held countries and emphasized contextualization of SDGs at virtually on 25 November the collective cooperation the regional level, accelerated 2020. Vice-Chairperson and collaboration of the implementation of 2030 of the National Planning Member States to lessen the Development Agenda and Commission Dr. Pushpa after-effects of the Pandemic development financing. FIFTY-EIGHTH SESSION OF PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE OF SAARC

The 58th session of the Programming Committee of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was convened on 15 December 2020 in virtual mode. Heads of SAARC and Representatives from the Foreign/External affairs participated in the meeting. Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal addressed Nepali delegation in the 58th session of the Programming Committee the inaugural session and highlighted some important natural and human resources, Joint Secretary and Head steps taken by the Association South Asia holds a high of Regional Organization for promoting regional potential for development Division of the Ministry of integration through trade, and prosperity, and enhanced Foreign Affairs, Government finance, transport, power, regional cooperation and of Nepal, Mr. Bharat connectivity as well as deeper economic integration Kumar Regmi chaired the people-to-people contacts. is a must to realize this Programming Committee The Foreign Secretary stated potential. Meeting. that blessed with abundant 6 16 November 2020-13 January 2021 | Volume 5, Issue 3

BIMSTEC GRID INTER CONNECTION COORDINATION COMMITTEE MEETING

The First MeetingNovember 2020. The delegates expressed its readiness to of BIMSTEC Grid from the Member States share its grid interconnection Interconnection Coordination highlighted the importance with the Member States. Committee was virtually of grid interconnection in held in on 23 the BIMSTEC region. Nepal WORKSHOP ON THEMATIC CIRCUITS TOWARD A BIMSTEC 2030 STRATEGY

A Consultation Workshop virtually held in Manila, study report prepared by entitled “Leveraging Thematic Philippines on 25 November the ADB for the promotion Circuits Toward a BIMSTEC 2020. Nepali delegation along of tourism in the BIMSTEC 2030 Strategy” jointly with participants from all region. organized by the BIMSTEC Member States attended the Secretariat and the Asian workshop. The workshop Development Bank was deliberated on a preliminary INFORMAL MEETING OF SENIOR OFFICIALS OF ASIA COOPERATION DIALOGUE

Informal meeting of senior The Nepali delegation to the Ankara Declaration, draft officials of Asia Cooperation senior officials’ meeting was guiding principles for the Dialogue was held virtually led by Joint Secretary and Head functioning of the ACD on 13 January 2021 for the Secretariat, 3rd ACD Summit, of Regional Organization preparation of formal meeting and other related issues. of senior officials of ACD on 19 Division Mr. Bharat Kumar January 2021 and Ministerial Regmi. The meeting discussed Meeting on 21 January 2021. matters relating to draft SIX-COUNTRY WORKING GROUPS DISCUSS ON COVID-19 AND POVERTY ALLEVAIATION

The first meeting of the Working Group on COVID-19, and the Working Group on Poverty Alleviation in the Context of COVID-19 among China, Afghanistan, , Nepal, Pakistan and was held at the level of Director-General/ Joint Secretary of the Foreign Ministries of respective Head of North East Asia Division leading the Nepali Delegation in the countries on 6 January 2021 Discussion on Covid-19 and Poverty Alleviation through a video conference. political consensus, mutual of North East Asia Division During the meeting, the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Working Group discussed among the participating Affairs, Nepal led the Nepali extensively to build back better countries. delegation comprising officials from adverse COVID-19 from the Ministry as well as impacts through strengthened Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Head relevant line Ministries. 7 MoFA Bulletin

C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS

NEAPL’S FOREIGN POLICY 2077

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali speaking on Foreign Policy, 2077

Minister for Foreign Affairs economic contexts. He said Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali that the long-standing non- Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat made Nepal’s Foreign aligned policy of Nepal has not Raj Paudyal highlighted Policy, 2077 public amidst been altered; and the policy various aspects of Nepal’s a programme organized at addresses the aspiration of the Foreign Policy. He shared that the Ministry on 6 December country with clear initiatives Foreign Ministry and Nepali 2020. On the occasion, in economic diplomacy and missions abroad would now Minister Gyawali stated issues of international and focus on the implementation that Nepal’s Foreign Policy regional concern. The policy of foreign policy. 2077 is a consolidated has established the spirit form of policies of Nepal’s ‘Amity with all, enmity with Joint Secretary Mr. Bharat foreign relations that were none’ to steer its international Kumar Regmi, Head of Policy, sporadically mentioned in relations on the basis of Planning, Development various documents including sovereign equality, mutual Diplomacy and Nepali the . benefit and respect. Diaspora Division of the Speaking on the occasion, Ministry made a power point Foreign Policy, 2077 was Minister for Foreign Affairs presentation on the contents endorsed by the Government Mr. Gyawali highlighted of Foreign Policy, 2077. the needs and relevancy of of Nepal on 20 October 2020. a unified policy document The policy embodies clear The programme was followed in foreign affairs to adopt to guidelines on diverse spheres by an interaction with the the changing political and of foreign policy dimensions. media.

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THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTRY

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali launching the annual report

In line with keeping annual report of the fiscal in the reporting year. transparency and year 2076/77 amidst a media The annual report is also accountability to the briefing on 6 December available in the website of activities conducted by the 2020. The annual report the Ministry of Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of contains major events Affairs, Nepal. Foreign Affairs launched its conducted by the Ministry

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR AMBASSADORS-DESIGNATE

An orientation programme in coordination with the designate participated in for ambassadors-designate Institute of Foreign Affairs the programme. was organized by the (IFA) on 17-19 January Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2021. Two ambassadors- D. PROTOCOL RELATED AFFAIRS

APPOINTMENT OF NEPALI AMBASSADORS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs United Kingdom and South Ambassador-designate to the carried out necessary works Africa where Mr. Lokdarshan United Kingdom, the United relating to the appointment Regmi, Dr. Yuba Raj States of America and South of Nepali Ambassadors to Khatiwada and Dr. Nirmal Africa respectively. the United States of America, Kumar Biswakarma were

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AMBASSADORS PRESENT CREDENTIALS

President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bangladesh, Israel, Myanmar out necessary coordination Bhandari received credentials and on 3 December and arranged the ceremony. from foreign ambassadors of 2020. The Ministry carried

The President receiving credentials from the Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Mr. Hanan Goder-Goldberger

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Mr. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury with the President during the credential ceremony

Ambassador of Myanmar to Nepal Mr. U Sein Oo being introduced to high- level government officials after presenting his credentials to the President

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The President with the Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal Mr. Vosita Vorasaph, his wife and the Deputy Chief of Mission in the credential ceremony

E. SERVICE DELIVERY NON-RESIDENT NEPALI RELATED

S. N. Services (Only from the Ministry) Number 1 Issuance of NRN Cards 13

PASSPORT SERVICES

S. N. Activities Number Remarks From Districts, Missions 1 Passports issued 35,633 and the Department 71485 Ordinary 51 Diplomatic Total Number of passports issued (Ac- 81 Official 2 cording to document type) 572 Gratis 20 Travel Document (TD) 72209 Total Emails responded including social net- 3 986 works 4 Grievance handled 1414 5 Lost passport registered in the Interpol 4777 6 Null and Void Passports 5 7 Feedback Forms Collected 98 Revenue collected (From the Department 8 27,71,84,520/- only in Rs.)

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CONSULAR SERVICES

S. N. Details of Services Number A Consular and Legal Counseling Section Recommendation for Medical treatment, religious tour and 1 7 others Recommendation related to India education No Objection 2 316 Certificate 3 Recommendation for Indian pension 3 4 Recommendation for issuing Nepali driving license 12 Recommendation to Indian Embassy for character verifica- 5 69 tion Recommendation for procurement of chemicals &explo- 6 22 sives Recommendation to Indian Embassy for issuing vehicle 7 1 permit 8 Correspondences regarding the citizenship renouncement 28 9 Correspondences regarding the Power of Attorney 60 Correspondences regarding authenticity of documents 10 9 issued by Government of Nepal Correspondences to District Administration Offices regard- 11 168 ing compensation Correspondences concerning search and rescue of Nepali 12 90 nationals Correspondences with regards to repatriation of dead body 13 70 of Nepali nationals abroad B Visa and Exemption 1 Issuance of diplomatic/official/gratis visa 229 2 Issuance of diplomatic/official ID Card 62 3 Number of recommendations for exemption 593 4 Other correspondences and recommendations 700 Number of visa recommendation to the foreign missions on 5 46 Government of Nepal's nominations C Attestation 1 Number of Documents Attested 34502 2 Revenue Collected from the Department (in Rs) 1,72,51,000/-

Chief Patron: Hon’ble Pradeep Kumar Gyawali Editorial Team Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Bharat Kumar Regmi, Joint Secretary Patron: Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal Mr. Krishna Chandra Aryal, Under Secretary Foreign Secretary Ms. Bishnu Kumari Adhikari, Section Officer

12 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Policy, Planning, Development Diplomacy and Nepali Diaspora Division Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: 4200182-185, Fax: 4200061, 4200160, E-mail: [email protected] This Bulletin is also available at http://www.mofa.gov.np