MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs

13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

Ministry of Foreign Affairs , www.mofa.gov.np Inside This Issue

A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS 2 B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS 6 C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS 13 D. PROTOCOL AFFAIRS 14 E. SERVICE DELIVERY 15

A. BILATERAL AFFAIRS

TELEPHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN PRESIDENTS OF AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF Mrs. Nepal extended appreciation and on the held a to the Government and people occasion of the observance telephone conversation with of China for the assistance of of National Day of President of the People’s medical logistics provided to in China in memory of those Republic of China Mr. Xi Nepal in the fight against the who lost their lives while Jinping on 27 April 2020. pandemic. fighting the novel coronavirus. The two Presidents shared The two Presidents further views on the ongoing global The President of China expressed satisfaction on the fight against the COVID-19 thanked the Government excellent state of bilateral pandemic and its impacts and people of Nepal for relations and agreed to across the world. They the solidarity and support further strengthen these also appreciated initiatives extended to the Government relations in the coming days pursued by the governments and people of China during through the implementation in containing and controlling the coronavirus epidemic. He of understandings and the COVID-19 in both also appreciated sentiments agreements reached during countries. The President of expressed by the Government high-level visits.

PRIME MINISTER HOLDS TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS

Prime Minister Mr. K P medical care of the people of ensuring its continuity as Sharma Oli held a telephone the two countries living in before the pandemic. conversation with the Prime each other’s territory. Prime The Prime Minister of Nepal Minister of , Shri Minister Oli thanked to the also held similar telephone Narendra Modi, on 10 April Government, people and conversations separately 2020. The two Prime Ministers the with the Prime Minister of discussed about the fight for the supply of essential , the Crown Prince medicines and medical against Covid-19 and agreed of the , logistics to Nepal. to intensify cooperation to the Prime Minister of , deal with the pandemic. In The two Prime Ministers the Deputy Prime Minister of the context of lockdown in expressed satisfaction on the , the Prime Minister of both the countries, the two smooth supply of essential , the President of , Prime Ministers agreed to goods across the border and the Prime Minister of Israel. look after the welfare and and underlined the need for

2 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

NEPAL AND ISRAEL CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS Nepal and the State of Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Israel celebrated the and exchanged greetings Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and 60th anniversary of the and best wishes. The two Foreign Minister of Israel Mr. establishment of diplomatic Prime Ministers expressed Gabi Ashkenazi also exchanged relations on 1 June 2020. satisfaction on the state of the messages of greetings on bilateral relations that grew that day to mark the special On the occasion, Prime and consolidated in the past occasion of the establishment Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli 60 years and agreed to further of diplomatic relations between held a telephone conversation strengthen it in future. Nepal and Israel. with Israeli Prime Minister FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali paid an official visit to Bangladesh on 17- 19 February 2020 at the invitation of Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. The two Ministers held an official bilateral meeting that deliberated on various matters of mutual interests such as the expansion of Foreign Minister Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with bilateral trade through the Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs removal of tariff and non- of Bangladesh, Dhaka, 18 February 2020 tariff barriers, simplification of administrative procedures, development of multi-modal Foreign Minister Gyawali also Bangladesh Bangabandhu transport and connectivity paid courtesy calls on President and networks, improved transit of Bangladesh Md. Abdul extended congratulations facilities and promotion of Hamid and Prime Minister and best wishes to the investment. Ms. . During Government and people of the calls on, he emphasized the Bangladesh on the occasion During the visit, the Foreign need to further strengthen the of his birth centenary. Minister met with Mr. relations between Nepal and Tipu Munshi, Minister of The Foreign Minister was Bangladesh for the benefit of Commerce of Bangladesh and accompanied by Foreign the peoples of both countries. discussed the ways and means Secretary Mr. Shanker Das to increase bilateral trade, During the visit, Foreign Bairagi and other senior including through expanding Minister Gyawali also visited officials of the ’s export to Bangladesh the Bangabandhu Memorial Nepal. and increasing connectivity Museum and paid tribute between the two countries. to the Father of Nation of FOREIGN MINISTER PARTICIPATES IN HIGH LEVEL VIDEO CONFERENCE ON BELT AND ROAD INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Co-operation: Combating Republic of China. The Minister for Foreign Affairs COVID-19 with Solidarity’ Foreign Minister delivered a participated in High-level chaired by Mr. Wang Yi, State statement on 18 June 2020. ‘Video Conference on Belt Councilor and Minister of Foreign Minister Gyawali, and Road International Foreign Affairs of the People’s 3 MoFA Bulletin

in his statement, underlined Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) relevant Ministers from 26 the importance of mutual in high-quality development countries along with Director support, collective efforts in the partner countries and General of the World and cooperation from underscored the importance Health Organization WHO multilateral institutions of the new initiative of Health and Administrator of the as vital in combating the Silk Road under the BRI. United Nations Development COVID-19 pandemic. He Programme participated in Foreign Ministers and other appreciated the role of the the conference.

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS HOLDS TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS Minister for Foreign Affairs conversations, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with Dr. Subrahmanyam of , and Prince Faisal held several high-level Jaishankar, External Affairs bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign telephone conversations, Minister of India, Mr. Wang Minister of . including at the level of Yi, State Councilor and During these high-level Foreign Ministers, in the Minister of Foreign Affairs engagements, besides taking major foreign employment of the People’s Republic stock on matters of bilateral destination countries of China, Mr. Michael R. relations and exchanging following the onset of the Pompeo, Secretary of State of views, Foreign Minister pandemic. Through the the of America, Gyawali underscored the telephone conversations, the Mr. François-Philippe need to forge economic Foreign Minister expressed Champagne, Minister for partnerships to address the solidarity and sympathies Foreign Affairs of , post-epidemic challenges. with his counterparts in the Mr. Lord Ahmed, Minister He also thanked all the respective countries in the of State at the Foreign and governments for providing fight against COVID-19 Commonwealth Office of various kinds of support and requested them to the , Ms. to Nepal in her effort to ensure safety and security of Arancha Gonzalez, Minister combat COVID-19, including Nepali nationals during this for External Affairs, European medicines, logistics, test kits, difficult time. The Foreign Union and Cooperation of among others. Minister held telephone , Ms. Marise Payne,

PROGRESS MONITORING THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCES The Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the work, priority and the about postponement of held regular video conferences activities of the Embassies. Visit Nepal Year 2020 and with the embassies of Nepal Foreign Minister Mr. Gyawali Sagarmatha Sambaad due to located in Bangkok, Canberra, instructed the Ambassadors the pandemic, and instructed Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and to work hard to provide the Embassies to continue the countries in the Middle all possible support and regular reporting on the East and Africa region to facilitation for the Nepali unfolding COVID situation discuss issues, including the nationals in their respective and measures taken by the situation of Nepali nationals host countries in the current host country governments, and the effect of COVID-19 difficult situation, and in those countries. The Heads take initiatives to protect the strengthen bilateral relations of missions in the respective interests of Nepali nationals, to achieve Nepal’s diplomatic countries apprised the Foreign including their employment goals.. Minister about the COVID and extend necessary support situation, initiatives taken The Foreign Minister also and care to them in the face of by the host countries as well informed the Ambassadors adversity.

4 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

FOURTH MEETING OF NEPAL - BILATERAL POLITICAL CONSULTATION MECHANISM The fourth meeting of Nepal- Pakistan Bilateral Political Consultation Mechanism was held on 25 February 2020 in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of Nepal Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mr. Sohail Mahmood. The meeting reviewed the status of bilateral co-operation and agreed to further enhance the Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi with Foreign Sec- relationship between the two retary of Pakistan Mr. Sohail Mahmood at the 4th Meeting of countries in the areas of trade, Nepal-Pakistan Bilateral Political Consultation Mechanism, tourism, education, sports, Islamabad, 25 February 2020 culture and people-to- people relations. Cooperation on matters of common interest Shah Mahmood Qureshi. programme on the theme of in regional and international During the meeting, the ‘Investment Opportunities forums also featured during Foreign Secretary emphasized in Nepal’ organized by the discussion. the importance of further the Embassy of Nepal in strengthening the bilateral Islamabad and highlighted During this visit, Foreign relations for mutual benefit. the various steps taken by Secretary Mr. Shanker Das the Government of Nepal to Bairagi paid a courtesy call While in Pakistan, Foreign attract foreign investment in on Foreign Minister of Secretary Mr. Bairagi also Nepal. Pakistan Mr. Makhdoom addressed an interaction

FIFTH NEPAL-BANGLADESH COMMERCE SECRETARY-LEVEL MEETING The fifth Nepal-Bangladesh Ministry of Industry, between regional capitals Commerce Secretary-level Commerce and Supplies. The of the two countries, cargo meeting was held in Dhaka two-day meeting discussed movement and the possibility on 3-4 March 2020. Nepali about promoting trade and of connecting the two delegation was led by Mr. investment, starting direct countries by waterways. Baikuntha Aryal, Secretary, bus services and direct flights

VIDEO CONSULTATION AT JOINT SECRETARY-DIRECTOR GENERAL LEVEL BETWEEN NEPAL AND CHINA Video Consultation was held General of the Department of projects, the celebration between the Foreign Ministries Asian Affairs. of the 65th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between of Nepal and the People’s During the virtual meeting, Nepal and China, among Republic of China at the level Head of the North East Asia others. Director General Mr. of Joint Secretary-Director Division highlighted the Wu shared various issues of General on 3 June 2020. friendly relationship existing mutual interest and concern, Nepali delegation was led by between the two countries, including cooperation on Mr. Kali Prasad Pokharel, COVID-19 response and epidemic prevention and Joint Secretary/Head of North cooperation, bilateral control. East Asia Division. Chinese cooperation projects, progress delegation was headed by on the reconstruction Mr. Wu Jianghao, Director 5 MoFA Bulletin

B. REGIONAL AND MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS

PRESIDENT SENDS VIDEO MESSAGE TO THE GLOBAL VACCINE SUMMIT 2020 President Mrs. Bidya Devi the video conference was to the achievements made Bhandari sent a video message garner support for vaccines. by Nepal through the to the virtual Global Vaccine immunization programme, The President, in her message, Summit 2020 hosted by she expressed solidarity to all stressed the need for ensuring Prime Minister of the United global initiatives for shared equitable access of vaccine Kingdom Mr. Boris Johnson, happiness and wellbeing. She to all and called upon the in association with the Global also extended best wishes international community to Alliance for Vaccines and to the scientists involved in come forward with renewed Immunization (GAVI) on 4 the development of vaccine commitments for this June 2020. The purpose of against COVID-19. noble cause. Highlighting

NEPAL ENDORSES THE “WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE: WORLD LEADERS’ CALL TO ACTION ON COVID-19” President Mrs. Bidhya Devi endorsing the Call. The endorsement called on the Bhandari endorsed “Water, President’s endorsement global leaders for the joint Sanitation and Hygiene: World reflected Nepal’s support to and coordinated efforts in Leaders’ Call to Action on the campaign, recognizing making water, sanitation and COVID-19” on 14 May 2020, the role of water, sanitation hygiene available to everyone, joining the group of Head and hygiene in preventing the eliminating inequalities and of States and Governments spread of COVID-19. The leaving no one behind.

VIDEO CONFERENCE OF SAARC LEADERS the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia. Participating SAARC leaders shared views on the respective country's experience in handling the public health emergency of the COVID-19. The discussion also featured the impact of COIVD-19 in South Asia, sharing the best Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli at the Video Confer- practices and collaborative ence of the SAARC Leaders (Front Centre), DPM approach to be adopted and Minister of Defence Mr. (Right), regionally to minimize Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar the adverse impact of Gyawali (Left), 15 March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The Leaders discussed long-term economic consequences of Mr. K P Sharma Oli, the Leaders of the SAARC the pandemic in the region. Prime Minister of Nepal Member States on 15 March participated in the video 2020 to collectively devise a Prime Minister K P Sharma conference organized by regional strategy to contain Oli shared several measures

6 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

adopted by Nepal and his Modi, was attended by the Mr. Zafar Mirza; and personal engagement in President of Mr. Secretary General of SAARC overseeing the national Ashraf Ghani; President of Mr. Esala R. Weerakoon. efforts against COVID-19. He the Mr. Ibrahim Following the video noted the importance of the Mohamed Solih; President conference, a SAARC collective wisdom of South of Mr. Gotabaya COVID-19 Emergency Fund Asian countries to devise a Rajapaksa; Prime Minister was estabished in order to sound and effective strategy of Bangladesh Ms. Sheikh combat the pandemic in to combat the virus. Hasina; Prime Minister of Dr. Lotay Tshering; South Asia. All the SAARC The Video Conference,Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. Member States have pledged hosted by the Indian Prime K P Sharma Oli; Minister of their contribution to the fund Minister Shri Narendra State for Health of Pakistan voluntarily.

PRIME MINISTER ISSUES BIMSTEC DAY MESSAGE Prime Minister Mr. K P sustainable development greetings and best wishes Sharma Oli extended warm and prosperity. The Prime to all the Member States greetings and best wishes to all Minister called on the on the occasion of the 23rd the people and the Member member states to stand united BIMSTEC Day. He expressed States on the occasion of in order to build a better Nepal’s commitment to the 23rd BIMSTEC Day. resilience while combating an work together with the Highlighting the potential invisible enemy, COVID-19, Member States to enhance of the BIMSTEC Region, across the region. connectivity, development of the Prime Minister urged green energy, increased intra- the Member States to work Likewise, Foreign Minister Mr. regional trade, investment, together to achieve economic Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, in a and tourism. growth, social progress, separate message, extended

PRIME MINISTER ADDRESSES VIRTUAL SUMMIT OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT

Prime Minister Mr. K P Sharma Oli delivering the statement during the Virtual Summit of NAM on COVID-19, 4 May 2020

Prime Minister Mr. K P COVID-19” on 4 May 2020, health must be our topmost Sharma Oli addressed “the held under the theme of priority, the Prime Minister Virtual Summit of the Non- “United against COVID-19”. shared with the NAM Aligned Movement on the Member States the measures Stressing that the human

7 MoFA Bulletin

taken by the Government a crisis of large proportion, sharing experience, transfer of Nepal to respond to the including the indispensable of technology, medical crisis. He also underlined role of the United Nations logistics and equipment; and the unprecedented economic and its specialized agency, coordinate and advocate for a impact on remittances and World Health Organization. robust recovery package from tourism and the hardship that the international community. The Prime Minister further people face, in particular the underlined the importance The Prime Minister small enterprises, peasants of the NAM to support welcomed the proposal to and daily wage earners. multilateralism and global establish the NAM Task The Prime Ministercooperation to defeat Force to work out a database highlighted Nepal’s COVID-19; consolidate the that would accommodate determination to face the voice of the poorest and most the requirements of NAM challenge, and called for vulnerable; scale up South- Member States. robust global response to such South Cooperation by way of

PRIME MINISTER ADDRESSES GLOBAL SUMMIT ON COVID-19 AND THE WORLD OF WORK Prime Minister Mr. K P impact of COVID-19 and and creation of sustainable Sharma Oli addressed the that the impact of COVID 19 employment opportunities.. virtual “Global Summit on is unevenly high in the LDCs The Global summit brought COVID-19 and the World and low-income countries. together over 50 Heads of Work: Building a Better The Prime Minister informed of State and Government, Future of Work” convened about the efforts made by prominent leaders of by the International Labour the Government of Nepal employers’ organizations and Organization (ILO) on 8 July to the prevention and trade unions as well as heads 2020. mitigation of the impact of international organizations While stressing on the of COVID-19 pandemic. to discuss the impact of protection of the most During his address, the Prime COVID-19 in employment vulnerable migrant workers, Minister also highlighted and livelihoods of hundreds both in informal sectors the immediate and medium- of millions of workers around formal sectors, the Prime term measures taken for the world. Minister stated that health the protection of workers in care is vital to minimize the formal and informal sectors

PRIME MINISTER PARTICIPATES IN HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF COVID-19 AND BEYOND Prime Minister Mr. K P especially the LDCs, amnesia and investing in the Sharma Oli addressed LLDCs and SIDS as these social sector with strong social the “High-Level Event on countries need to confront security measures for a better Financing for Development it with inadequate resources, future. He further expressed in the Era of COVID-19 and limited social protection Nepal’s commitment to forge Beyond” held in New York and under-developed health partnership and hold social on 28 May 2020 in a virtual infrastructures. dialogue at the national level format. The Prime Minister to show greater solidarity to The Prime Minister highlighted that the severest address the situation globally. underscored the importance brunt of the pandemic is upon of avoiding the collective the developing countries,

8 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES 43RD SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali led Nepali delegation to the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva and addressed the High-level Segment of the Council on 25 February 2020. The Foreign Minister mentioned, in his statement, that the world is commemorating the year 2020 as the year of 100 years Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep Kumar of Multilateralism; 75th Gyawali (First Right) and the Members of the Nepali Anniversary of the United Delegation at the 43rd Session of UN Human Rights Nations; and 25th anniversary Council, Geneva, 25 February 2020 of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as they all of the state for the rights of Minister held bilateral valued global determination child and rights of persons meetings with Special to maintaining world peace, with disabilities. The Foreign Representative for Human protecting human rights and Minister also requested Rights of the , fundamental freedom, and for valuable support of Mr. Eemon Gilmore; DPM embracing socio-economic the UN member states to and Minister for Foreign progress. Nepal’s candidature for the Affairs and Trade of In his address, the Foreign membership of the Human Mr. Simon Coveney; Foreign Minister highlighted the Rights Council for the second Minister of Mr. Edgars provisions enshrined in the term 2021 to 2023. Rinkevics; and and UN High , which Commissioner of Human On the sidelines, the Foreign includes the commitment Rights Ms. Michelle Blachelet.

FOREIGN MINISTER PARTICIPATES IN VIRTUAL MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON DIGITAL RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Pradeep transforming the country into a knowledge- Kumar Gyawali addressed the virtual based society as well as the ongoing application Ministerial Conference on the Digital of online resources in prevention and control Response to COVID-19 organized by of the pandemic. Stating that LDCs have and , the Co-chairs of the Group of been the hardest-hit by the digital divide, Friends on e-Governance and Cyber-security, misinformation and cyber-attacks, he called on 1 July 2020. The Conference discussed for capacity strengthening of these countries. how countries can emerge better-equipped He also expressed the commitment of Nepal in the face of the COVID-19 crisis by using to work with the international community to innovative digital solutions. ensure secure, sustainable and equitable digital accessibility. The Foreign Minister shared Nepal’s vision of

9 MoFA Bulletin

VIDEO CONFERENCE OF SAARC HEALTH MINISTERS AND HEALTH OFFICIALS Health Ministers reiterated the need of regional and international cooperation as well as the collaborative approach in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. The meeting was also attended by the senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal. Prior to the SAARC Health State Minister for Health Mr. Nabaraj Raut (Second Ministerial Meeting, SAARC from Left) with the Nepali delegation at the SAARC Health Officials had held Health Ministers’ Video Conference, 23 April 2020 a video conference on 26 March 2020 to discuss and share the country-experience Nepal participated in the adopted by the member on combating the Covid-19. SAARC Health Ministers' states to mitigate impacts During the conference, Video Conference held of Covid-19. State Minister the SAARC health officials on 23 April 2020. Hosted for Health Mr. Nabaraj Raut discussed about setting up by Pakistan, the SAARC shared the perspectives of an Integrated Disease Health Ministers’ conference and measures taken by the Surveillance Portal and discussed the country Government of Nepal in creating a common research perspectives and measures response to COVID-19. The platform for the region.

HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Nepal participated in the decade of action and delivery Raj Kadel. Vice-Chairman High-Level Political Forum for sustainable development’. Mr. Kadel presented Nepal’s (HLPF) on Sustainable Nepal presented its second achievements, good practices Development held in the Voluntary National Review and challenges during the virtual format on 7-16 July (VNR) on the SDGs during Forum and shared information 2020 under the auspices of the event, on 13 July 2020. about coordinated efforts of the United Nations Economic the Government of Nepal for Nepali delegation was and Social Council. This the implementation of SDGs led by Vice-Chairman year’s theme was ‘Accelerated at all levels- local, provincial of the National Planning action and transformative and federal. Commission Prof. Dr. Pushpa pathways: realizing the

10 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

REGIONAL VIRTUAL MEETING ON EVACUATION AND REPATRIATION OF MIGRANTS IN TIMES OF COVID-19 A five-member NepaliEvacuation and Repatriation and Sri Lanka. Challenges delegation led by Mr. Bharat of Migrants in Times of faced by the participant Raj Paudyal, Joint Secretary COVID-19” organized by countries in coordinating and Head of the United the return operations of migrant Nations, International in technical support of workers along with the best Organizations and the International Labour practices and experiences International Law Division Organization on 09 July 2020. during the planning and of the Ministry of Foreign execution of repatriations The meeting was participated Affairs participated in “the were discussed during the by Bangladesh, India, Nepal Regional Virtual Meeting on meeting.

20TH BIMSTEC SOM & 3RD BPWC MEETINGS

Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Permanent Entities, Rationalization of sectors of BIMSTEC Working Committee (BPWC) and 20th Session Cooperation, among others. of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting Joint Secretary and Head of Regional (SOM) were respectively held on 1-2 and 3 Organization Division at the Ministry of March 2020 in Colombo. Foreign Affairs Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi The meetings discussed on the BIMSTEC and Under Secretary Ms. Pramita Adhikari Charter, Template of the Memorandum of represented Nepal. Understanding of the BIMSTEC Centres/

VIDEO CONFERENCE OF SAARC TRADE OFFICIALS SAARC Trade Officials held a Asian Countries. of Origin, and facilitating for Video Conference on 8 April the seamless flow of essential The discussion focused on 2020 to discuss the impact commodities and medical using digital technology to of COVID-19 on trade and supplies during the lockdown fulfill trade procedures such explore ways to facilitate period. as issuing digital Certificate intra-regional trade in South

11 MoFA Bulletin

NEPAL SUPPORTS UNSG’S APPEAL FOR GLOBAL CEASEFIRE Nepal expressed its support global crisis of COVID-19 delivery of lifesaving aid and to the “Appeal for Global pandemic. The appeal was bring hope to places that are Ceasefire” made by the United for an immediate ceasefire among the most vulnerable to Nations’ Secretary General in all corners of the globe to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. António Guterres on reinforce diplomatic action, 23 March 2020, amidst the help create conditions for the

NEPAL RATIFIES UN TIP (PALERMO) PROTOCOL Nepal ratified the Protocol Crime, 2000 (also known on 25 December 2003. to Prevent, Suppress and as Palermo Protocol) on 2 Nepal signed the United Punish Trafficking inMarch 2020. An Instrument Nations Convention against Persons Especially Women of Ratification to this effect Transnational Organized and Children (also known has been sent for deposit. Crime on 12 December 2002, as Trafficking Protocol), and ratified it on 23 December The Palermo Protocol was supplementing the United 2011. adopted on 15 November Nations Conventions against 2000 and entered into force Transnational Organized

ELECTION OF NEPAL TO THE CHAIR OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OF THE NEPALI MAJOR 75TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY GENERAL AS THE HEAD OF MISSION AND Ambassador/Permanent the six main committees FORCE COMMANDER Representative of Nepal of the UNGA. It deals OF UNDOF to the United Nations, Mr. with global financial and Amrit Bahadur Rai has been economic matters such as The Secretary General of the unanimously elected to sustainable development, United Nations Mr. António the Chair of the Economic eradication of poverty, trade, Guterres appointed Major and Financial Committee, financing for development, General Mr. Ishwar Hamal also known as the Second globalization, international of Nepal Army as the Head Committee, of the United financial systems, ICTs of Mission and Commander Nations General Assembly for development, climate of the United Nations (UNGA) for its 75th Session change, disaster as well as Disengagement Observer in New York. issues facing the countries Force (UNDOF) on 24 like LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. The Committee is one of February 2020.

12 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

C. POLICY RELATED AFFAIRS

ANNUAL ACTION PLAN OF THE MINISTRY

In coordination with the Office of important activities in the action plan the Prime Minister and Council of include rescue of Nepali nationals Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign abroad impacted by COVID-19 Affairs prepared its Annual Action pandemic, documentation of foreign Plan incorporating the vision, annual policy, system installation and issuance programme and policies of the of e-passports, and online consular Government of Nepal for the fiscal services, among others. year 2020-2021 (2077/78). Some

POSTPONEMENT OF THE SAGARMATHA SAMBAAD Government of Nepal decided to the Future of Humanity” due to the postpone the first episode of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The Sagarmatha Sambaad 2020 scheduled event will be held on another convenient for 2-4 April 2020 on the theme of date when the global pandemic comes “Climate Change, Mountains and under control.

BRAIN GAIN CENTRE The Brain Gain Center (BGC), a Unit professionals to get connected with the at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant government agencies of Nepal established with a view to recognizing in the development efforts of Nepal, the and fostering contribution of diaspora BGC unit has been coordinating efforts Nepalis for Nepal’s social and economic to realize the objective. progress, remained active to attract, As of 15 July 2020, more than 930 register and engage the diaspora Nepali Nepali diaspora experts have registered experts at the BGC portal. themselves in the portal. During the As a web-based platform for expatriate review period, BGC organized four Nepali intellectuals, experts, and webinars on various themes.

COVID-19 IMPACT STUDIES

In coordination with International needing particular attention, including Relations Committee of Parliament and health, tourism, foreign employment, the National Planning Commission, the trade, investment and, particularly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted possible scenario of returnee migrants. two studies on impacts of COVID-19 on The reports of the studies were shared Nepali economy and prioritized sectors with the relevant government agencies.

13 MoFA Bulletin

D. PROTOCOL MATTERS

APPOINTMENT OF AMBASSADOR TO CHINA

Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, former Foreign Minister, was appointed on 01 March 2020 as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), with concurrent accreditation to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and . CREDENTIAL CEREMONY

President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari receiv- ing credentials from Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay, Ambassador of Republic of to Nepal (Non-Residential), 4 December 2019

arrived in Nepal to assume his responsibility on 1 March 2020. Mr. Weerakoon succeeded Mr. Amjad Hussian B. Sial who completed his President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari receiving tenure as the Secretary General and left Nepal credentials from Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on 29 February 2020. Ambassador of the Republic of India to Ne- pal, 4 December 2019 Earlier, Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi hosted a luncheon to bid farewell to the outgoing SAARC Secretary General Mr. The following Residential and Non-residential Amjad Hussain B. Sial on 20 February 2020.. Ambassadors presented their letters of Credence to President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on 04 December 2019. I. Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Residential Ambassador of the Republic of India to Nepal. II. Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay, Ambassador of Republic of Seychelles to Nepal with residence in . III. Mr. Federico Salas Lofte, Ambassador of to Nepal with residence in New Delhi. President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari receiv- ARRIVAL OF NEW SAARC SECRETARY ing credentials from Mr. Federico Salas Lofte, GENERAL Ambassador of Mexico to Nepal (Non-Resi- dential) 4 December 2019 The newly appointed Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Mr. Esala Ruwan Weerakoon

14 13 February-15 July 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 5

E. SERVICE DELIVERY

RESCUE AND REPATRIATION OF NEPALI NATIONALS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained the rescue and repatriation of Nepalis from in constant coordination with High-level abroad who were in distress due to the adverse Coordination Committee for the Prevention situation created by COVID-19 pandemic. and Control of COVID-19 and the COVID Crisis Management Centre (CCMC). The Around 91,000 Nepalis were registered with Ministry facilitated the entry of foreign the Nepali missions for repatriation and more diplomats and other foreign nationals engaged than 28,000 Nepalis were repatriated until mid- in various projects and transport of essential July 2020. Among them, about 23,000 Nepalis medical supplies. . returned from the major foreign employment destinations - the GCC countries and . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated

COORDINATION IN REPATRIATION OF FOREIGN DIPLOMATS AND NATIONALS

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a focal facilitated Kathmandu-based and accredited point, coordinated with Ministry of Home foreign missions in granting flight clearances Affairs and related agencies to transport and flight permits to chartered passengers and foreign nationals stranded in various parts of cargo flights in coordination with Ministry of Nepal to Kathmandu for repatriation to their Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. respective home countries. The Ministry also

LAUNCHING OF COVID-19 SOFTWARE

Considering the urgent need to assist Nepali repatriation plans. COVID-19 Health Protocol citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, was also prepared and observed in line with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs developed the guidelines and recommendations of the COVID-19 software to be used by Nepali Ministry of Health and Population, and the missions abroad for collecting and sharing World Health Organization to ensure a safe necessary information virtually among and healthy work environment at the Ministry relevant agencies. The information so collected and, agencies and Missions under it. has been very useful in charting out rescue and

NON-RESIDENT NEPALI (NRN) RELATED SERVICES

S. N. Services (Only from the Ministry) Number 1 Issuance of NRN Cards 26 2 Processing of Land Purchase Approval to NRN 3

PASSPORT SERVICES

S. N. Activities Number Remarks 1 Applications received 79,046 Excluding Live Enrollment Counters 2 Passports issued 77,851 From Districts, Missions and the Department

15 MoFA Bulletin

3 Total Number of passports issued (According to 75,905 Ordinary document type) 188 Diplomatic 311 Official 1,430 Gratis 17 Travel Document (TD) 77,851 Total 4 Emails responded including social networks 2,649 5 Grievance handled 3,034 6 Lost passport registered in the Interpol 4,511 7 Feedback Forms Collected 1,068 8 Revenue collected (From the Department only) 32,71,14,049/-

CONSULAR SERVICES

S. N. Details of Services Number A Consular and Legal Counseling Section 1 Recommendation for Medical treatment, religious tour and others 4 2 Recommendation related to India education No Objection Certificate 333 3 Recommendation for Indian pension 2 4 Recommendation for issuing Nepali driving license 121 5 Recommendation to Indian Embassy for character verification 85 6 Recommendation for procurement of chemicals & explosives 28 7 Recommendation to Indian Embassy for issuing vehicle permit 7 8 Correspondence regarding the citizenship renouncement 15 9 Correspondence regarding Power of Attorney 68 10 Correspondence regarding authenticity of documents issued by the Government of Nepal 5 11 POA, VOR, H-Form Request (Malaysia), and correspondence to the District Administration Office for 130 compensation to Nepali citizens 12 Correspondence concerning search and rescue of Nepali nationals 107 13 Correspondence with regards to repatriation of dead body of Nepali nationals abroad 39 14 Number of draft received for compensation from Malaysia 0 15 Handover of compensation amount from Malaysia to the concerned family 69 16 Correspondence to the government agencies in Nepal 310 B Visa and Exemption 1 Issuance of diplomatic/ official/gratis visa 563 2 Issuance of diplomatic/ official ID Card 135 3 Issuance of SAARC visa stickers 12 4 Number of recommendation for exemption 737 5 Number of visa recommendation to the foreign missions on GON’s nominations 368 C Attestation 1 Number of attested documents 38,021 Total 41,159

Chief Patron: Hon’ble Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Editorial Team Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kumar Raj Kharel, Joint Secretary Patron: Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Mr. Bishnu Prasad Gautam, Under Secretary Foreign Secretary Ms. Sabita Nakarmi, Section Officer Mr. Til Bahadur Sunar, Section Officer

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 https://www.mofa.gov.np/