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Chief Patron: Inside this Issue Hon’ble Krishna Bahadur

Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister A. Bilateral Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs B. Multilateral Affairs Patron: Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, C. Regional Affairs Foreign Secretary

Editorial Team D. Policy Related and Other Mr. Tirtha Raj Wagle, Activities Joint Secretary E. Protocol, Passport and Dr. Damaru Ballabha Paudel, Consular Activities Under Secretary

A. Bilateral Affairs 2. Eleventh Meeting of the Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood 1. Third Meeting of -India Management Oversight Mechanism The eleventh meeting of Nepal-India Joint The third meeting of Nepal-India Oversight Committee on Inundation and Flood Mechanism, jointly led by Foreign Secretary Management (JCIFM) was held in Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and Ambassador of Kathmandu from 16 to 21 April 2017. The India to Nepal His Excellency Mr. Manjeev Nepali delegation was led by Mr. Madhukar Singh Puri, was held in Kathmandu on 12 Prasad Rajbhandari, Director General of the April 2017. Department of Water Induced Disaster Management (DWIDM), Government of The meeting made a comprehensive review Nepal and the Indian Delegation was led by of the progress made in bilateral economic Mr. A.K. Sinha, Member (Planning), Ganga and development cooperation projects and Flood Control Commission (GFCC), identified the measures to be undertaken by Government of India. the respective Governments or entities to ensure the timely and successful The meeting of the Joint Committee in implementation of the projects. The issues Kathmandu was preceded by joint field visit relating to cross border rail projects, to the ongoing and proposed flood protection Integrated Check Posts, Roads Project, works along the Kamala, Bagmati and cross-border transmission lines, Arun III and Lalbakaiya rivers. During the meeting, Upper Karnali Hydropower projects, issues relating to physical and financial Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, review of all works in Kamala, Bagmati and Mahakali Bridges, Postal roads, Line of Lalbakaiya, ongoing works and release of Credit projects, reconstruction projects and fund, flood forecasting, and floods and other pertinent issues were discussed during inundation among others were discussed. the meeting.

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3. Rt. Hon’ble President Visits India The Rt. Hon’ble President had a meeting with His Excellency Shri Rt. Hon’ble President Mrs. Bidya Devi at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the same day. Bhandari paid a State Visit to India from 17- During the meeting, the two leaders 21 April 2017 at the invitation of His exchanged views on the historical bonds Excellency Shri Pranab Mukherjee, between Nepal and India and shared that the President of India. The delegation comprised regular exchange of visits at the highest of Hon Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister level would further contribute to strengthening the close relations. for Foreign Affairs, Hon Ms. Sita Devi Yadav, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary, Advisors to the Rt. Hon President, officials of the and media persons.

The Rt. Hon’ble President was accorded a Ceremonial Reception at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on 18 April 2017, where she was received by His Excellency Shri

Pranab Mukherjee, President, and His Rt. Hon’ble President with His Excellency Shri Pranab Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Mukherjee, the President of India Minister of India. During the Ceremony, the Rt. Hon’ble President also inspected a Guard Both leaders discussed about various areas of Honor. of cooperation including hydropower, infrastructure development, cross border The Rt. Hon’ble President visited the connectivity and post-earthquake Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and reconstruction and agreed on the need of signed the Visitor’s Book. She also visited further expanding such cooperation. The the Yamuna Biodiversity Park at the Bank of President of India hosted a Banquet in Yamuna River and planted a sampling there. honour of the Rt. Hon’ble President and her delegation.

During the visit, the Rt. Hon’ble President was called on by His Excellency Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice President, and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. She was also called on by Her Excellency Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, His Excellency Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs, His Excellency Shri Arun Jaitley, Rt. Hon’ble President with H.E. Sri Narendra Modi, Prime Finance Minister of India and other high- Minister and H.E. Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of level political leaders. External Affairs of India

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Addressing an interaction program with were put in place in the wake of the April business community organized by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Ministry of External Affairs of India, Confederation of Indian Industry, Federation During his visit, Dr. Maliki met Hon’ble of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Minister for Defense Mr. Bal Krishna Khad Industry and ASSOCHAM India, the Rt. and the Chief of Army Staff General Hon’ble President encouraged Indian Rajendra Chhetri. The Senior Minister of investors to visit Nepal and take advantage of the investment opportunities available State also interacted with the Singaporean here. community in Nepal during his stay in Kathmandu. The Rt. Hon’ble President also visited Somnath and Dwarkadhish temples in 5. Arrival of New Ambassador of the Gujarat State of India on 19 April 2017. She Republic of Korea was called on by His Excellency Shri Vijay His Excellency Mr. Park Young-sik, Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat in Rajkot. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to The Rt. Hon’ble President attended a Nepal presented his Letter of Credence to program 'women empowerment' in Bhubaneswar, capital city of Odisha State on The Rt. Hon’ble President Mrs. Bidya Devi 2 April 2017 which was organized by the Bhandari at a special Ceremony in Sheetal Government of Odisha and Mission Shakti. Niwas on 03 May 2017. During the While addressing the event, The Rt. Hon’ble Ceremony Hon’ble Dr. Prakash Sharan President highlighted the salient features Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chief enshrined in the for of Army Staff and other high-level the empowerment of women including representation at political level and other dignitaries of the Government of Nepal were measures adopted by the Government of present. Ambassador Young-sik is a career Nepal, and said that exchange of knowledge diplomat who joined Korean Diplomatic and experience and sharing of good practices service in 1989 and served in different would be vital for women empowerment capacities in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of programs in the South Asian Korea as well as in Korean Embassies in regional context. She was called on by His Vietnam, Australia and Indonesia. Before Excellency Dr. S. C. Jamir, of Odisha. Rt. Hon’ble President also visited being appointed as Ambassador to Nepal, he Lingaraja Temple and Jagannath Puri in was Director-General for International Bhubaneswar. Cooperation of Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea. 4. Senior Minister of State of Singapore Visits Nepal 6. Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat Visits Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Singapore Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Hon'ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman paid a visit to Prakash Sharan Mahat, paid a visit to Nepal from 2 to 5 May 2017 to mark the Singapore to attend the Trade, Tourism and completion of the Singapore Red Cross Investment Promotion Program organized by (SRC) humanitarian relief efforts which the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok in association with Honorary Consulate of

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Nepal in Singapore and local Nepali 7. Signing of the MOU on Construction community there on 4 May 2017. of Nepal-China Cross-Border Economic Cooperation In his keynote address as the Chief Guest of The Government of Nepal and the the Program participated by the local Government of the People's Republic of entrepreneurs and business community, China signed Memorandum of Hon’ble Dr. Mahat highlighted the potential Understanding on Construction of Nepal- areas of investment in Nepal. China Cross-Border Economic Cooperation on 09 May 2017. Hon'ble Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Nepal and His Excellency Mr. Zhong Shan, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China signed the MoU on behalf of their respective governments. The agreement aims to strengthening economic cooperation and accelerating development in border regions of the two countries and to carrying

out study on constructing Nepal-China Hon’ble Foreign Minister Addressing Trade, Tourism and cross-border economic cooperation zones in Investment Promotion Program in Singapore a qualified region. Shedding light on the policy and institutional reform measures introduced recently, he 8. Congratulatory Messages to the Newly Elected President and Newly added that Nepal is one of the most Appointed Prime Minister of the attractive destinations for foreign investment Republic of Korea in the region having vast areas of investment opportunities such as infrastructure, Rt. Hon'ble President Mrs. Bidya Devi development, health, agriculture, Bhandari and Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister information and communication technology, Mr. 'Prachanda' sent mining and minerals, tourism. their separate congratulatory messages to His Excellency Mr. Moon Jae-in, the newly During his stay in Singapore, Hon’ble Dr. elected President of the Republic of Korea Mahat held a meeting with H.E. Ms. on 10 May 2017. Josephine Teo, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Manpower and In their messages, both the President and the Second Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Prime Minster congratulated His Excellency Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore Mr. Moon for being elected as the 19th where both the Ministers discussed the President of the Republic of Korea and matters of bilateral interests and mutual conveyed best wishes for his successful benefits. During his stay, Hon'ble Minister tenure. They also expressed their confidence also met members of Nepali community that the cordial friendly relations subsisting living in Singapore. between Nepal and the Republic of Korea

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will be further strengthened during the strengthen cooperation in connectivity tenure of the President. sectors including transit transport, logistic systems, transport network and other related Similarly, Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Pushpa Kamal infrastructures development such as railway, Dahal ‘Prachanda’, , road, civil aviation, power grid, information sent a congratulatory message to His and communication. Excellency Mr. Lee Nak-yeon, the newly appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea on 01 June 2017.

In his message, the Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Lee on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and expressed best wishes for his successful tenure. He also expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations between Nepal and the Republic of Korea would be further strengthened to mutual benefits of the two countries and peoples during his tenure.

9. Signing of MOU on Cooperation Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and under the Belt and Road Initiative Ambassador of China to Nepal Ms. Yu Hong Shaking Hands after Signing the MoU, Hon’ble Mr. Krishna The Government of Nepal and the Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Government of the People’s Republic of Finance and Hon’ble Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jointly Witnessing the Signing China signed a Memorandum of Ceremony Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation The MOU contains detailed framework for under the Belt and Road Initiative on 12 mutual cooperation in line with the MOU May 2017 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed between the Governments of Nepal Singh Durbar, Kathmandu. and China in December 2014. Hon’ble Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for 10. Rt. Hon’ble President Visits Sri Lanka Finance and Hon’ble Dr. Prakash Sharan The Rt. Hon’ble Mrs. Bidya Devi Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs, jointly Bhandari paid an official visit to Sri Lanka witnessed the signing ceremony. Foreign from 13 to 16 May 2017 at the cordial Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena. Hon’ble Ambassador of China to Nepal Ms. Yu Mr. Keshab Kumar Budhathoki, Minister for Hong singed the MoU on behalf of their General Administration accompanied the respective governments. President. Advisors to the President,

Secretaries and other officials from the Office The MOU aims at promoting cooperation on of the President and Ministry of Foreign enhancing connectivity through trade Affairs as well as media persons were also facilitation, financial integration and people part of the entourage. to people contact. The MOU seeks to 6

Rt. Hon’ble President also paid homage to Sacred Tooth relics of Gautam Buddha at Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

The Rt. Hon’ble President had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka, in Colombo. Bilateral issues as well as other matters of common interest were discussed during the meeting.

Rt. Hon’ble President with H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, the Presient of Sri Lanka from the right

On 14 May 2017, the Rt. Hon’ble President Mrs. Bhandari, addressed as the chief guest the Closing Ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations with the theme “Buddhist Teachings for Social Justice and Sustainable World Peace” in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Rt. Hon’ble President Rt. Hon’ble President Paying Homage to the Keleniya highlighted the teachings of Lord Buddha Temple in Colombo and its relevance in the present day context On 15 May 2017, the Rt. Hon’ble President for the world peace and social harmony. paid homage to the Keleniya Temple in Colombo which is believed to have been visited by Gautam Buddha after attaining enlightenment. She also attended an Interaction Program with Nepali Community. Dinner Reception was hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo in honor of the President. Former President of Sri Lanka Ms. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga also called on The Rt. Hon’ble President in Colombo on 16 May. Both leaders exchanged their views on women Rt. Hon’ble President Addressing the Vesak Day Celebration in Colombo empowerment and their participation in politics as well socio-economic She also conveyed the message of peace, development. The President also participated tolerance and fraternity to the world from in a program on Women Empowerment the land of Gautam Buddha. The event was organized in her honour by Hon’ble Minister attended by His Excellency the President, of Women and Child Affairs of Sri Lanka in high-ranking officials of the Government of Sri Lanka as well as pertinent Buddhist Colombo the same day. Scholars from seventy-two countries. The 7

11. Nepal’s High-Level Participation in Premier of the State Council of the People's the Belt and Road Forum Republic of China on the sideline of the

Forum on 14 May 2017. Matters of mutual A delegation led by Hon’ble Mr. Krishna interests were discussed during the meeting. Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister Hon’ble Ministers, Ambassador of Nepal to and Minister for Finance, participated in the China and other senior officials of the Belt and Road Forum for International Government of Nepal were also present in Cooperation held in Beijing on 14 - 16 May the meeting. 2017. The delegation was comprised of Hon’ble Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for During the visit, Hon’ble Ramesh Lekhak Physical Infrastructure and Transport, also had a meeting with his Chinese Hon’ble Mr. Surendra Kumar Karki, counterpart H.E. Li Xiaopeng, Minister of Minister for Information and Transport of China at the latter’s office on Communication and other senior officials 16 May 2017. Hon’ble Minister Lekhak from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, expressed that connectivity between Nepal Commerce, Industry and Finance of the and China through roads and railways are Government of Nepal. major priorities of Nepal and reiterated Nepal's request for early resumption of Tatopani border. Minister Lekhak further stated that establishment of a railway link connecting Nepal and China will be vital for socio-economic development of Nepal, expressing his belief on connectivity as a means to promote tourism, trade, investment, culture and people to people contact in a substantial way. He sought Chinese assistance for cross border

Nepali Delegation to the Belt and Road Forum for International connectivity and human resources Cooperation development. In the Forum, Hon’ble Minister for Information and Communication delivered a brief remark in the thematic session on Connectivity of Development Policies and Strategies. He underlined the need to explore the opportunities to enhance connectivity supported by policy coordination for inclusive, sustainable and harmonious development with shared vision and shared prosperity. Hon’ble Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Hon’ble Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, H.E. Li Xiaopeng, Finance Minister Hon’ble Mahara had a Minister of Transport of China and Hon’ble Mr. Surendra Kumar Karki, Minister for Information and Communication (from the left) meeting with H.E. Wang Yang, Vice 8

The Chinese Minister of Transport assured the exemplary collaboration of the of China's full support in human resources Government of Nepal with the various development in the areas of cross-border United Nations agencies. connectivity and requested for proposal from Nepal. He proposed that a working team could be set up for all the cross-border The Joint Executive Boards' delegation was related issues, and designated Director headed by H.E. Walton Alfonso Webson, General of International Department of the President of the Bureau of the UNICEF Ministry from the Chinese side and requested to designate an appropriate official Executive Board and Permanent from the Nepali side too. Ambassador of Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to Nepal to China and other senior officials of the United Nations and comprised the Government of Nepal were present on representatives from various programmes the occasion. and agencies of the United Nations from The Embassy of Nepal in Beijing organized their head offices in New York, Rome and an interaction program on "Belt and Road Geneva. Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges for

Nepal-China relations" in the presence of The primary purpose of the visit was to Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and review the country program, strategic plan Ministers along with Chinese professors, and work of the UN agencies in Nepal and scholars and think tanks in the Embassy on assess how these agencies are carrying out 16 May 2017. The Embassy also hosted a their mandate and directions of the United reception in honor of Deputy Prime Minister Nations. The delegation travelled to districts and Finance Minister Hon’ble Krishna of Kailali, Bajhang, Baitadi, Rupandehi, Bahadur Mahara and accompanying Dang, Banke, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, delegates at the Embassy. Kavrepalanchowk and the and assessed Nepal's progress with regards to Sustainable Development Goals. Lauding the efforts made by Nepal to ensure "no one B. Multilateral Affairs is left behind", the delegation wished Nepal success in its efforts under the Agenda 2030. 1. Joint Field Visit of the Executive Boards of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, The delegation of the Joint Executive Board UNICEF, UN-Women and WFP to from UN also paid courtesy calls on Prime Nepal Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash A 28 members’ delegation comprising of Sharan Mahat during which role of UN team leaders of the executive boards of agencies in promoting SDGs were discussed. different UN agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, and UNICEF visited 2. OPCW Fifteenth Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties Nepal on 16-24 April, 2017 and commended in Asia 9

The fifteenth regional meeting of National respective sanitized version of the National Authorities of State Parties to the Risk Assessment Report with other Member Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical States to prepare an action plan to prevent Weapons (OPCW) was held in Dubai, the IFF. United Arab Emirates, from 16 to 18 May The meeting also felt necessity to 2017. engage with the UNODC and the BIMSTEC Secretariat was suggested to communicate On behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of with the UNODC seeking assistance in Nepal, Under Secretary Mr. Sudhir Bhattarai capacity building and training program on attended the meeting. The Meeting was Financial Investigation and Financial attended by 35 participants from 30 Analysis. The delegation of Nepal made a countries served as a forum in which the presentation on “Some Case Studies of State Parties to the OPCW discussed of Nepal: Emerging Cyber Threats on Financial about their needs for assistance in relation to Sector" and highlighted two specific cases of Article VII of the Chemical Weapons ATM card fraud, involvement of some Convention, including the type and level of foreign nationals in those incidents and the assistance that could be offered among State arrest and trial of the criminals. Parties in the region. During the Meeting, Nepal offered to host the next/ Tenth Meeting of the The meeting was also attended by BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Anti-Money representatives of organizations such as Laundering and Combating the Financing of the International Council of Chemical Terrorism in Kathmandu in 2018. Associations (ICCA)/European Chemical 2. Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Industry Council (CEFIC), Advisory Board Network of Policy Think Tanks on Education and Outreach of OPCW (ABEO), and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee.

C. Regional Affairs

1. Ninth Meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub- group on Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks Terrorism The Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT) The Ninth Meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub- was held at the BIMSTEC Secretariat, group on Anti-money Laundering and Dhaka, Bangladesh on 22-23 April 2017. Combating the Financing of Terrorism held Given the important and vibrant role of the in Yangon, Myanmar on 26-27 April 2017. BNPTT in the changing regional and global The Meeting discussed at length the Illicit scenario for meaningful regional integration, Flow of Funds (IFF) among the BIMSTEC the Meeting finalized its TOR. It also agreed Member States and agreed to share their on the proposal to establish the Centre for 10

Bay of Bengal Studies and after deliberating updated by the ADB by 15th May 2017. on its modalities, decided to submit their Nepal proposed to host the Sixth Meeting of comments and observations on the Non-Paper Inter-Governmental Group on Transport at Kathmandu in August 2017. within one-month. The Meeting requested that the Study The Meeting reiterated that the 20th may be further updated by incorporating the Anniversary of BIMSTEC should be views expressed by the delegations from celebrated in a befitting manner, which will Member States given in their country enhance the visibility of BIMSTEC. Some presentations and deliberations during the of the delegates announced their specific Meeting. The Meeting recommended that programs to be hosted to mark the 20th action on the pending issues may be taken Anniversary of BIMSTEC. by all Member States expeditiously under intimation to the SAARC Secretariat. With 3. Third SAARC-ADB Special Meeting regard to the six identified prioritized of Representatives of Commerce and recommendations of the Study on Regional Finance Ministries on Regional Economic Integration (Phase-II), the Economic Integration Study (Phase- Meeting noted the position of the Member II) States in regards to (i) Reduction/Removal The Third SAARC-ADB Special Meeting of of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and Para- Representatives of Commerce and Finance Tariff Barriers (PTBs), (ii) Energy Ministries on Regional Economic Integration Cooperation, (iii) Trade Facilitation Study (Phase-II) was held in Islamabad on Measures, (iv) Investment Cooperation, (v) 12-13 April 2017. In the Meeting, the Reduction of products in the Sensitive Lists delegates made their presentations on and (vi) SAARC Agreement on Trade in transport connectivity in their respective Services (SATIS). country and with neighbouring member It was recommended that all the Member countries. The delegations also briefed the States having concerns over Non-Tarrif meeting on the implementation status of Barriers (NTBs) and Para-Tarrif Barriers prioritized and identified corridors/projects (PTBs) will consult with their respective (road, air, maritime, inland waterways) in the stakeholders and after their consultations, SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport will forward fresh Notifications of Study (SRMTS) at the national level. NTBs/PTBs faced by their export products

in other SAARC countries to the SAARC The Meeting recommended that Asian Secretariat by 30th June 2017. Development Bank may be approached to update the Study and a Workshop of the 4. Eleventh Informal Meeting of SAARC representatives of the Ministries of Transport may be convened with the support of ADB to Finance Ministers discuss the updated Study to devise further The Eleventh Informal Meeting of SAARC course of action. The Member States agreed to convey their proposals to the SAARC Finance Ministers was held in Yokohama, Secretariat on new initiatives/projects which Japan on 5 May 2017 on the sidelines of the need to be incorporated in the SAARC 50th Annual Meeting of the Board of Regional Multimodal Transport Study being Governors of ADB with the theme “50 years 11

of ADB and its operations in SAARC by taking effective measures and by creating Countries”. awareness among business community, convene Meetings of SAFTA Ministerial The Eleventh Informal Meeting was opened Council (SMC) and SAFTA Committee of and chaired by H.E. Mr. Krishna Bahadur Experts as these have not been held since Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister July 2014 and making visa regimes more of Finance of Nepal. In his opening liberal to encourage people-to- people statement, Hon’ble Mr. Mahara stated that contacts. the SAARC region remains in high priority in ADB’s quest of poverty alleviation and 5. Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs economic development. He further Addresses the Symposium of Non- mentioned that ADB’s engagement in the Resident Ambassadors promotion of cooperation and integration in sub-regional level in the Asia-Pacific region Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. is most remarkable and unique. Prakash Sharan Mahat, delivered a keynote address at the inaugural session of the Similarly, Hon’ble Mr. Mahara briefly symposium on ‘enhancing bilateral presented the current economic scenario of economic cooperation with countries having Nepal and shared the meeting that Nepal has diplomatic relations with Nepal’ organized registered 6.9 percent economic growth rate in New Delhi on 5 May 2017 for Delhi- based ambassadors and diplomatic missions this year, which is highest in 25 years. The concurrently accredited to Nepal. The annual inflation rate is expected to remain Symposium that ran for two days, was below 5 per cent. Balance of Payments is jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign surplus with foreign currency reserves of Affairs, Government of Nepal, the Embassy 10.7 billion US Dollars. Nepal is working to of Nepal in New Delhi, the Institute for attract foreign investment, receiving a pledge Strategic and Socio-economic Research and of US $ 14 billion investments during the the Pavilion Group Nepal. Investment Summit held in Kathmandu in In his address, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign March 2017. All other macroeconomic Affairs highlighted the need of consensus indicators are positive except trade deficit. among the political parties in Nepal to develop conducive environment for foreign The Meeting emphasized on some major investment so as to achieve economic issues i.e. improvement of infrastructure, growth and realize the country’s vision of connectivity and creating economic corridors development. among SAARC Member States, Speaking about various sector- operationalization of the SAARC Agreement specific incentives provided to foreign on Trade in Services (SATIS), finalization of investors, the Foreign Minister said that the text of the Draft SAARC Agreement on growing improvement of cross-border Promotion and Protection of Investment at infrastructure and connectivity between the earliest. It also stressed on the Nepal and India provided further augmentation of intra-regional trade under opportunities for expansion of trade and investment in Nepal. SAFTA which is presently very sluggish although tariff rates are between 0% to 5% 12

The Minister of State for External E. Protocol, Passport and Affairs of India, His Excellency Gen V. K. Singh, also addressed the symposium Consular Activities highlighting deep-rooted Nepal-India relations and substantial engagements 1. Protocol Matters between the two countries in trade, The Protocol Division carried out all investment, tourism and other components activities such as planning, programming, of economy. He assured of India’s continued inter-agencies coordination, extending state support to Nepal’s development efforts. protocols and hospitability in connection with the State Visit of The Rt. Hon’ble Foreign Secretary Shanker Das President Mrs. Vidya Devi Bhandari to the Bairagi speaking at the concluding session expressed gratitude to non-resident Republic of India from 17 to 21 April 2017; Ambassadors for their support and solidarity the official visit of The Rt. Hon’ble with Nepal and encouraged them to President Mrs. Vidya Devi Bhandari to Sri regularly visit Nepal for continued exchange Lanka from 13 to 16 May 2017; and the visit of ideas and updated on the initiatives taken of The Rt. Hon’ble President to Grand by Embassy of Nepal with regard to Palace of Thailand on 12 May 2017. economic diversification and investment promotion. The Protocol Division organized a Ceremony on 3 May 2017 at Sheetal Niwas D. Policy Related and Other to present Letter of Credence to the Rt. Activities Hon’ble Mrs. by the Ambassadors-designate of 1. High-Level Foreign Policy Review Thailand, Republic of Korea, Australia and Task Force Hungary to Nepal H. E. Mr. Bhakavat High-Level Foreign Policy Review Task Tanskul, H.E. Mr.Park Young-Sik, H. E. Mr. Force (HLFPRTF) was set up under the Peter Graeme Budd, and H.E. Mr. Gyula chairmanship of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in April 2017. The Task Force was Petho respectively. In this regard, Protocol mandated to review foreign policy and Division made all the necessary arrangement recommend priorities in consonance with our for the Credential Ceremony with the national interests and ways to implement coordination of the Office of the President, them effectively. The Task Force consists of Ministry of Home, Ministry of Defense, experts from political, defense, economic and Nepal police and Nepal Army. institutional spheres. The Division prepared the letter of Credence 2. MOFA Consultative Group of Experts in favor of following Nepali Ambassadors to the countries mentioned hereunder: MOFA constituted advisory groups with expertise in the fields of international S.N. Name of Countries Ambassadors relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. Residential Non- MOFA initiated consultation with the experts Residential on various dimensions and areas of MOFA 1. H.E. Mr. Tara Argentina, Prasad Pokharel Chile, priorities. Paraguay 2. H.E. Mr. Amrit Zimbabwe Bahadur Rai 3. H.E. Mr. Lebanon

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Jhabindra Prasad and 2. Passport Services Aryal Morocco The number of passports issued in February 4. H. E. Dr. Durga Ireland Bahadur Subedi and March 2017; 5. H.E. Mr. Lok OPCW, Travel Diplomatic Official Ordinary Bahadur Thapa Luxemburg Month Docu Passport Passport Passport 6. H.E. Ms. Sewa Iran ment Lamsal Adhikari April 60 68 37,387 17 7. H.E. Prof. Chop Bangladesh May 70 133 36,775 11 Lal Bhusal 8. H.E. Prof. Sri Lanka Total 130 201 74,162 28 Bishwambher Pyakuryal HE Mr. Yves Carmona, Ambassador of 9. H.E. Ms. Lucky Australia Sherpa France paid a courtesy call on the Director 10. H.E. Mr. Qatar General of Department of Passports (DOP) Ramesh Prasad Mr. Sushil Kumar Lamsal on 24 May 2017. Koirala 11. H.E. Ms. Sarmila Oman Parajuli Dhakal 12. H.E. Mr. Bhim Myanmar Kumar Udas 13. H.E. Mr. Yuba Denmark Nath Lamsal 14. H.E. Prof. Saudi Mahendra Prasad Arabia Singh Rajput 15. H.E. Mr. Israel Niranjan Kumar Thapa 16. H.E. Ms. Prativa Japan Rana Ambassador of France to Nepal with Director General of 17. H.E. Mr. Arjun Rep of DoP during his visit to Department of Passport JB Singh Korea The Letter of Recall of the predecessor of Welcoming the Ambassador to the the above Ambassadors were also prepared Department, Mr. Lamsal briefed him about together and made available to the respective the works and activities of DOP. During the Ambassadors. visit, HE Mr. Carmona visited the Oberthur Similarly, the Division has prepared Letter personalization centre located inside the premises of DOP. of Commissions in favour of Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Consul General of Nepal 3. Consular Services based in New York and Mr. Rabi Bhattarai, The issue-wise details of the service delivery Consul General of Nepal for Guangzhou, of the Department of Consular Services People's Republic of China during February-March 2017; Likewise, Letter of Commission in favour of Mr. Balley Supatra Jano Seti, Honorary S.N. Details of Services No. of Works Consular and Legal Consul of Nepal for Jakarta and Mr. Terry A Performe Teo Swee Leng, Honorary Consul of Nepal Counseling Section d for Klang Valley, Malaysia were also 1 Recommendation for Medical treatment, Religious prepared and sent through respective Nepali tour, World cycling tour and Embassies. others. 9 14

2 Recommendation for Indian 14 Correspondence to the education certificate, government agencies in nationality verification and Nepal. 74 those who are visiting India 15 Number of draft received for for study purpose. 315 the compensation from 3 Recommendation for Indian Malaysia. 24 pension. 2 16 Handover of compensation 4 Recommendation for issuing amount from Malaysia to the Nepalese driving license on concerned family 18 the basis of foreign driving B Visa and Exemption license held by the Nepalese Section citizen. 856 1 Issuance of 5 Recommendation letter to diplomatic/official/gratis visa Indian Embassy for character 577 verification report to 2 Issuance of Nepalese citizens during diplomatic/official ID Card 67 their period of stay in India. 48 3 Issuance of SAARC visa stickers. 28 6 Recommendation for procurement of chemicals & 4 Number of recommendation for exemption. 568 explosives. 23 5 Number of visa 7 Recommendation letter to recommendation to the Indian Embassy for issuing foreign missions on GON's permit for vehicles to enter nominations. 263 India. 4 C Attestation section 8 Correspondence to the concerned authorities of 1 Number of attested Nepal regarding the documents. 38,817 citizenship renouncement of Total 42,299 Nepalese citizens as per their application submitted to the

Nepalese missions abroad. 19 9 Correspondence letter regarding authenticity of Power of Attorney issued by Nepalese missions abroad. 186 10 Correspondence to the concerned authorities of Nepal regarding authenticity of documents issued by the Government of Nepal. 55 11 POA, VOR, H-Form Request (Malaysia), and correspondence to the District Administration Office for compensation to Nepalese citizens died abroad. 136 12 Correspondence concerning search and rescue of Nepalese nationals to the Nepalese Missions abroad. 156 13 Correspondence with regards to repatriation of dead body of Nepalese nationals abroad. 54

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