Chief Patron: Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Inside this Issue

Minister for Foreign Affairs

A. Bilateral Affairs Patron: Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, B. Multilateral Affairs Foreign Secretary

C. Regional Affairs

Editorial Team D. Passport and Consular Mr. Mani Prasad Bhattarai, Activities Joint Secretary Dr. Damaru Ballabha Paudel, Under Secretary

3. State Visit of the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister to A. Bilateral Affairs India Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. 1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home 'Prachanda' paid a State Visit to India on 15-18 September Affairs visits India 2016 at the invitation of H. E. Prime Minister of India Hon'ble Mr. , Deputy Prime Shri Narendra Modi. During the visit, he called on the Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, visited India on President of India H. E. Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The Rt. 18-22 August 2016 as the special representative of Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister of and H. E. the Prime Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal Minister of India held bilateral talks. During the meeting, 'Prachanda'. During the visit, he called on the President of the two Prime Ministers discussed various aspects of India H. E. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, and the Prime Nepal-India relations and cooperation in different areas Minister of India H. E. Shri Narendra Modi. He also met including water resources, infrastructure, trade and transit, with Minister of External Affairs of India, H. E. Smt. among others. Ministers of the Government of India – H. Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Home Affairs of India, E. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, H. H.E. Shri Rajnath Singh. He held discussions on further E. Mr. Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs, H. E. strengthening and deepening relations between Nepal and Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance, and H. E. Shri India including through the exchange of high level visits. Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of New & Renewable Energy, Mines, Power, Coal, paid 2. Minister for Foreign Affairs visits India separate calls on the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

Hon'ble Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister also addressed a Foreign Affairs, visited India on 11-13 September 2016. joint business event hosted by ASSOCHAM, CII During the visit, he met with Minister of External Affairs and FICCI and visited Nathpa Jhakri hydro-electric of India, H. E. Smt. Sushma Swaraj. The two leaders held power project in Himanchal Pradesh and the Food extensive discussions on various matters of bilateral and Herbal Park at the Patanjali Yogpeeth near relations including the need for expeditious Haridwar. implementation of all agreed and ongoing projects under Nepal-India cooperation. They also discussed the agenda 4. Delegation of Parliamentary Committee on for the imminent State Visit of Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister Legislation visits India of Nepal to India. The Hon’ble Foreign Minister also met A delegation of Parliamentary Committee on H. E. Sushri Uma Bharti, Minister for Water Resources, Legislation visited India on 21-30 August 2016. The River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, as well as delegation had interactions at the Indian Law Institute, His Excellency Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State National Human Rights Council of India, National Law (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New & School and Ministry of Law and Justice. The delegation Renewable Energy and Mines. During the meetings, also visited the Supreme Court of India, and High Courts various issues of bilateral cooperation on water and of New Delhi and Karnataka. energy were discussed. 2 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 5. Nepal-India Home Secretary Level Meeting Envoy of Rt. Hon. Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', . During the meeting with H.E. Nepal-India Home Secretary Level Meeting was held Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China, the Deputy Prime in New Delhi on 8-9 September 2016. Nepali delegation Minister on 16 August 2016 handed over the invitation was led by Mr. Lok Darshan Regmi, Secretary at Ministry letters from the Rt. Hon. President and Rt. Hon. Prime of Home Affairs and the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Minister of Nepal to their Chinese counterparts to visit Rajiv Mehrishi, Secretary at Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal. The two leaders shared their views on various India. The meeting held discussions on the comprehensive aspects of Nepal-China relations as well as in the matters issues related to security, border management, of regional and global concerns. The Deputy Prime strengthening border infrastructure, Hulaki road Minister also paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Li construction, inundation at border areas, and training and Kequiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's capacity building of law enforcement officials. Republic of China in Beijing on 17 August 2016.

6. Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group Meeting

The sixth Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Agriculture (JAWG) between Nepal and India was held in New Delhi on 8-9 September 2016. Nepali delegation was led by Dr. Suroj Pokhrel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Development, and the Indian delegation was led by Shri Amitabh Gautam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India. The meeting deliberated on issues related to agricultural co-operation between Nepal and India including soil health management, organic farming, micro irrigation system, agricultural mechanization, seed technologies, strengthening laboratory facilities and germplasm exchange. Hon. Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Minister and

7. Survey Officials' Committee Meeting Minister for Finance of Nepal and H.E. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of People's Republic of China The fifth meeting of the Survey Official's Committee was held in Dehradun, India on 28-30 September 2016. 11. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan paid visit to Nepal The Nepali Delegation was led by Mr. Suresh Man Shrestha, Deputy Director General, Department of Survey At the invitation of the Government of Nepal, H.E. and the Indian delegation was led by Mr. R. K. Meena, Mr. Nobuo Kishi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Director, Survey of India. The meeting held discussions Japan paid a visit to Nepal from 30 August to 1 on the technicalities of the border pillar construction and September 2016 leading a Japanese delegation to attend mapping along with the composition and schedule of the the commemorative programme organized by the border pillar construction during the field season of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal to 2016/17. celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. 8. Rescue of 18 Nepali women from

In August 2016, Embassy of Nepal in Colombo coordinated the rescue and repatriation of 18 Nepali women, who were reportedly being trafficked to third countries, and were stranded in Sri Lanka.

9. Rescue of 46 Nepali citizens from Dhaka Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka rescued 46 Nepali citizens on 5 August 2016 and coordinated their safe return to Nepal. They had entered Bangladesh reportedly for business purpose. Their passports were seized by a Bangladeshi national.

10. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Visited Beijing Nepal and H.E. Mr. Nobuo Kishi, Minister of State for Foreign Hon. Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime Affairs of Japan Minister and Minister for Finance visited the People's Republic of China from 15-20 August 2016 as the Special 3 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs During the stay in Nepal, the State Minister paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal and also called on the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda', the Prime Minister of Nepal on 31 August 2016. On the occasion, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister handed over his congratulatory message addressed to the Prime Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe on the happy occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the Diplomatic Relations, and the State Minister also handed over the message of the Prime Minister of Japan to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. The State Minister also called on the Hon. Mr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Commemorative Programme to celebrate the 60th Affairs. During the meeting, all the matters of bilateral anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations cooperation and mutual interests were reviewed. The two between Nepal and Japan sides also shared views on how these relations could be H.E. Mr. Nobuo Kishi, Minister of State for Foreign taken forward by seizing the opportunities available in Affairs of Japan addressed the program by stating that both countries. Hon. Dr. Mahat appreciated the Japan and Nepal have enjoyed excellent relations. The unconditional support of the Government of Japan to the support in the socio-economic development of Nepal socio-economic development of Nepal. The State would be continued from Japan assured the State Minister Minister handed over the congratulatory message of H.E. of Foreign Affairs. Hon. Mr. Surendra Kumar Karki, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Minister for Information and Communications of Nepal addressed to Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on his and H.E. Mr. Nobuo Kishi, Minister of State for Foreign appointment as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal. Affairs of Japan jointly affixed the cancelation marks on On the same day, the State Minister witnessed the the special commemorative cover published by the Postal signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes of the Grant Services Department of the Government of Nepal on the Aid under Japan Overseas Development Assistance for occasion. A group of prominent Nepali artists from two new projects- Improvement of Aviation Safety Cultural Corporation of Nepal and Japanese Drum Troops Facilities in Major Airports of Nepal, and School Sector from Akafuji Daiko presented impressive shows featuring Development Program to the sum of approx. $ 15 million the typical culture of their respective counties during the and $ 3 million respectively at the Ministry of Finance. program. The Notes were signed and exchanged by Mr. Lok Darshan Regmi, Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and 13. Government of Nepal condemned the DPRK Nuke H.E. Mr. Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal. Test

The Government of Nepal condemned the nuclear 12. Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the 60th test carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Korea (DPRK) on 9 September 2016. On 12 September Relations between Nepal-Japan 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press

release stating that the test carried out by the DPRK defies The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal organized a the relevant resolutions of the Security commemorative program to celebrate the 60th Council and the calls of the international community. In anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations line with its consistent policy of general and complete between Nepal and Japan in Kathmandu on 1 September disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction, Nepal 2016. The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal stands against such tests and calls upon the Government Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the program by lighting of the DPRK to refrain from such acts, stated the release. the oil-fed traditional Nepali lamp. Speaking at the program Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for 14. 7th Meeting of the Nepal-China's Tibet Trade Foreign Affairs of Nepal highlighted the various aspects Facilitation Committee concluded in Lhasa of Nepal-Japan relations and expressed happiness over the steady growth of these relations over the past six decades. The seventh meeting of Nepal–China's Tibet Trade He appreciated the substantial assistance provided by Facilitation Committee organized in Lhasa on 22-24 Japan in socio-economic development of Nepal which has September 2016. Mr. Ravi Shanker Sainju, Joint been used in infrastructures and human resources Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce of Nepal and Ms. development, among others. Lou Mei, Vice Chairman of the TAR Government led their respective delegations to the meeting. During the meeting, both sides shared views on various aspects of Nepal-China's Tibet Trade and Economic cooperation. The Nepali side shared views on how to include the 4 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs exportable Nepali products (in 6 digit HS Code) on the wished for good health, long life and happiness of His list of Duty Free and Quota Free (DFQF) facilities Highness . Rt. Hon. President congratulated provided by China to Nepal and other LDCs. Issues His Excellency on the successful completion of 6 years relating to the facilitation of bilateral trade and expansion long tenure, and wished for the success of his next economic cooperation were also discussed. Both sides assignment to Poland. also shared ideas of further promoting participation of their concerned agencies and businessmen in trade, tourism and cultural expos/fairs to be organized in both sides.

15. Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group Formed

Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed consisting of the representatives from House of Commons and Senate members of Canada. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, who was in Canada to attend the 39th General

Convention of International Civil Aviation (ICAO), was also present during the function. He hoped that the 17. Nisha Desai Biswal, The US Assistant Secretary of Friendship Group would usher in the increased interaction State for South and Central Asian Affairs, visited between the lawmakers of the two countries, further Nepal, called on the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister mutual relations, exchange of parliament experiences and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' visits, apart from adding to the promotion of trade, investment and tourism between the two countries. H.E. The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Kali Prasad Pokharel, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, Central Asian Affairs, Ms Nisha Desai Biswal paid a thanked all the members of House of Commons and courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his official Senate for showing up at the program and for their residence in Baluwatar on 4 September while on a visit to overwhelming support in his bid to form the Nepal from 4 – 5 September 2016. parliamentary friendship group.

16. Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views Nuncio of Holy Sea called on Rt. Hon. President on aspects of bilateral relations which are of common concerns such as completion of the remaining part of the Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio peace process, implementation of the new constitution, of called on Rt. Hon'ble President of Nepal reconstruction and foreign employment permit for the Bidhya Devi Bhandari on 30 September 2016 during his Nepalese Guards in Afghanistan. They also shared the farewell visit to Nepal. H.E. Pennacchio extended warm views that transitional justice issues and holding local greetings on behalf of Pope. Rt. Hon. President remarked elections would be of colossal significance in creating that the relationship which has witnessed further confidence and consensus and to realize the goals consolidation during his tenure, and the unmatched love, articulated in constitution. support and solidarity on the part of people of Holy See Rt Hon. Prime Minister acknowledged the need to during the trying times including cataclysmic earthquake work on enduring set of economic reforms, policy last year would always be cherished. Rt. Hon. President stability and prepare propitious environment for economic growth as Nepal cannot afford to lag behind in the 5 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs globalized world. The Prime Minister stressed that 19. UK Minister of State for DFID, H.E. Rory Stewart reforms in land and labor laws and institutions, and visited Nepal infrastructures such as in energy are vital. Nisha Desai appreciated the generous hospitality The UK Minister of State at the Department for extended to Bhutanese refugees all these years, and urged International Development (DFID) was on a visit to Nepal the Nepal Government for the resettlement of the to take stock of the progress made on reconstruction, assess remaining ones. The Prime Minister reiterated the the impact of last year's earthquake, and reaffirm the UK's position of the Government that the Bhutanese refugees support for Nepal's development. who wish to go back to Bhutan should be allowed to do During the visit, Minister Stewart called on the Rt. Hon. so. They both anticipated working together to come up Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and with pragmatic and amicable solution. Nisha Desai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Krishna expressed her eagerness to welcome Rt. Hon. Prime Bahadur Mahara to discuss the next phase of UK support Minister in the upcoming Summit on Migration and to Nepal. They discussed how access to bank accounts Refugees. could be increased to expedite the payment of housing grants to earthquake-affected households. 18. The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Regional Deputy Vice President, Ms Fatema Sumar in Nepal

The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Regional Deputy Vice President, Fatema Sumar visited Nepal to advance development of an MCC compact with the Government of Nepal.

The Prime Minister expressed his earnestness about amending the relevant laws to accommodate the concerns raised by human rights organizations and international community, and also taking into account the basic principles of transitional justice and unique situation of Nepal. The objective of reconciliation and durable peace remains paramount. In meetings with key government officials – The Prime Minister thanked UK Government for its including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister continued support and goodwill in Nepal’s political and for Energy , and Minister for Physical economic transformation, including its support in the Infrastructure and Transport Ramesh Lekhak, Sumar shed aftermath of the earthquake last year. light on Millennium Challenge Corporation: the countries "I am delighted to return to Nepal in the year that our covered and the modalities of assistance, and its support two countries are celebrating our strong 200 years to Nepal basically in energy and roads, mainly on relationship", said Minister Stewart upon his arrival. "The transmission and improvement and upgradation UK stood by the Nepali people in their time of need respectively, though no projects have been finalized yet. following the tragic earthquakes last year, and we continue The projects would have to be completed within the to support the country to build back better and get on track stipulated five-years period as there will not be any towards a more prosperous and stable future." extension to the deadline. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the diplomatic Nepal was selected under MCC Compact Programme relationship between the UK and Nepal and over 55 years of in December 2014 and MCC board re-elected Nepal for the development partnership. continuation of the program in January 2015. The large five-year program is given to a country that is committed 20. Czech Parliamentary Delegation in Nepal to good governance, economic freedom and investment in Czech Parliamentary Delegation led by Vice- the citizens. chairperson of Chamber of Deputies, Mr Vojtech Filip, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister expressed thanks for Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the including Nepal in one of those 30 countries covered by Chamber of Deputies paid a visit to Nepal from 18-21 this program and hoped that it would be instrumental in September, 2016. economic development which remains the key priority of the Government of Nepal at the moment. 6 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, and Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Joint Secretary and Head of the United Nations, International Organization and International Law Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Nepali delegation to the Ministerial Meeting and Senior Officials Meeting respectively on 15-16 September and 13- 14 September 2016.

2. The 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly opened at New York The 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was opened in UN Headquarters at New During the visit, the delegation called on Rt. Hon. York on 13 September 2016. The General Debate of the 71st President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari. They discussed on Session of the UNGA began on 20 September. His matters of common interests to bring home new avenues for Excellency Peter Thomson of Fiji is the President of the 71st mutual cooperation and lend an impetus to the bilateral session of the General Assembly. The theme of the 71st relationship on various fronts. Session is “The Sustainable Development Goals: A Universal Push to Transform our World”. In a similar vein, the delegation carried out comprehensive dialogue with Rt. Hon. Speaker of House, 3. Nepal at the 71st Session of the United Nations Mrs. Onsari Gharti Magar, Hon. Minister Mr. Ajay Shankar General Assembly Nayak, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs, The Hon'ble Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for President of the Nepal Bar Association and Chairperson of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal led the Nepali Nepal Law Commission. delegation to the 71st Session of the United Nations General H.E. Vojtech Filip lauded the commitment of Nepal to Assembly (UNGA). The Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister Pushpa democracy and human rights as evinced in the constitution- Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who was earlier scheduled to lead making, the untiring efforts to bring on board various the Nepali delegation to the UNGA decided to send a Nepali competing groups and diverse interests and efforts to delegation led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of institutionalize inclusive democracy. the Prime Minister’s pressing engagements at home. The The delegation also attended the Constitutional Day members of delegation of Nepal to the 71st Session of the Celebration held in Tundikhel on September 19. United Nations General Assembly included Hon'ble Mr.Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Member of Parliament, Chief

Secretary Dr.Somlal Subedi, Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, and His Excellency Ambassador/ Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations in New York B. Multilateral Affairs Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai among others.

th On 24 September 2016, the leader of the Nepali 1. 17 Summit of the Heads of State or Government delegation Foreign Minister Dr. Mahat addressed the of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) General Assembly. The Foreign Minister apprised the world The Rt. Hon'ble Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice President of body of the current political and constitutional development Nepal, led the Nepali delegation to the 17th Summit of the of Nepal highlighting the inclusive development agenda Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned carried out by the Government. Movement (NAM) held in Margarita Island, Bolivarian Dr. Mahat stressed on the importance of implementing Republic of , on 17-18 September, 2016. During the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and shared the visit, The Rt. Hon'ble Vice President addressed the 17th Nepal’s experience and success in implementing the NAM Summit and also attended a dinner hosted by His Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and while urging Excellency Mr. Nicolas Maduro Moros, President of the the world leaders to muster the necessary political will to Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in honour of the Heads achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he of State and Government, and Heads of Delegation underlined the importance of national ownership and attending the Summit. international partnership to ensure the success of the SDGs. Addressing the Summit, The Rt. Hon. Vice President He also expressed the view that concerted efforts are underscored the values Nepal attaches to the principles and needed at the national, regional and global levels to fight ideals of Non-Aligned Movement for fostering global against the scourge of terrorism and also emphasised on the understanding and strengthening multilateralism. need for creating a win-win solution while dealing with Preceding the NAM Summit, His Excellency Mr. concerns of migrants and refugees. Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Ambassador/Permanent 7 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs On 23 September 2016, the Hon’ble Foreign Minister Sustainable Development. Also present in the meeting participated in the High-Level Event on Regionalism and were Hon. Mr. Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Member of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development organized by Legislature Parliament; Dr. Somlal Subedi, Chief the Regional Commissions, New York Office. In his Secretary; Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary; keynote address delivered on the occasion, the Hon. and H.E. Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Permanent Minister Dr. Mahat said that this was the time to focus on Representative. From the UN side, Under Secretary all possible ways and means to collaborate for achieving the General (OHRLLS) Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, Under SDGs. He said that regionalism can be an important vehicle Secretary General (DFS) Atul Khare and senior officials to generate useful information, enable sharing of from DPA and DPKO were present in the meeting. On the experiences, and create a bridge between national occasion, the UN Secretary General also presented a book development agenda and the global SDGs framework. outlining his 10 year experience at the UN to the Hon. Minister. 6. Foreign Minister observed Nepal’s National Day celebration in New York

During the visit to New York, the Foreign Minister also observed the National Day reception hosted by the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations Ambassador Durga Prasad Bhattarai to mark the first anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal. Addressing the programme, the Foreign Minister highlighted that the Constitution of Nepal “adheres to universally accepted norms of democratic polity; and Foreign Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat addressing the ensures pluralism, the rule of law, representative and UNGA on 24 September 2016 accountable government, and social and economic justice.” 4. Foreign Minister Dr. Mahat meets with the US President Obama On 20 September 2016, the Hon. Dr. Mahat attended a reception hosted in honour of visiting heads of delegations by His Excellency Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America. During the occasion, he had a brief exchange of views with President Obama and also talked with US Secretary of State His Excellency Mr. John Kerry on matters of mutual interests.

Hon. Minister addressing the National Day Reception gathering, with H.E. the Permanent Representative and Under Secretary-General Mr. Geoffrey Feltman on the background 7. Foreign Minister holds bilateral meetings at New York The Hon. Minister Mahat held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts H.E. Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan of , H.E. Mr. Tsend Munkh-Orgil, Foreign Minister of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Ivica Decic, the Foreign Minister and Mrs. Mahat with US President and Mrs. first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Obama Affairs of Serbia. 5. Meeting with the UN Secretary-General The Hon'ble Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy On 23 September, the Hon. Minister held a meeting call on the Prime Minister of Pakistan. with H.E. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General at the 8. Nepal and El Salvador establish diplomatic latter’s office. The two sides touched upon a number of relations issues ranging from implementation of Constitution to Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping operations, and from Nepal and El Salvador, a Central American republic, Nepal-UN cooperation to the pressing issues of climate established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2016. change, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for The Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan 8 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs Mahat and His Excellency Mr. Hugo Roger Martinez SAARC mechanisms in order to realize the goals of Bonilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador signed SAARC Charter to promote the welfare of the people of a Joint communiqué to this effect at a special ceremony South Asia and to accelerate economic growth, social held at the United Nation Headquarters. The number of progress and cultural development in the region; countries with which Nepal has established diplomatic strengthening regional trade through full and expeditious relations has now reached 144. implementation of South Asian Free Trade Agreement 9. Visit of the Chief of UN Department of Field (SAFTA) in order to achieve deeper integration and move Support Under-Secretary-General Mr. Atul towards SAEU and also to bring down tariffs, eliminate Khare NTBs/PTBs, reduce sensitive lists for enhanced intra- regional trade under SAFTA; and operationalizing the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Chief SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services without further of Department of Field Support Mr. Atul Khare visited delay by finalizing the schedules of specific Commitments. Nepal on 28-30 August 2016. During the visit, discussions were held on issues related to peacekeeping 3. Inception Meeting of the BIMSTEC Transport and field support services. Connectivity Working Group (BTCWG)

The inception Meeting of the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Working Group (BTCWG) was held in Bangkok, on 30-31August 2016. The Working C. Regional Affairs Group was formed as recommended by the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS) 1. Seventh Meeting of the SAARC Interior/Home Updating Enhancement: Finalization Workshop held in Ministers and other preceding meetings New Delhi on 14 July 2014. BTILS which was conducted in 2007 with the The Seventh Meeting of SAARC Interior/Home financial and technical support of Asian Development Ministers preceded by the Seventh Meeting of SAARC Bank (ADB) submitted its report in 2009. The report was Secretaries of Interior/Home and the Seventh Meeting of later endorsed by the Ministerial Meeting. The ADB was SAARC Immigration Authorities was held in Islamabad further requested to review and update its report on the from 2-4 August 2016. Nepali delegation was led by Mr. status of connectivity with a timeframe up to 2020. Narayan Gopal Malego, Secretary, Ministry of Home The purpose of the BTILS was to make a profile of Affairs at Ministerial and Interior/Home Secretary level the transports and logistics of the region, to identify hard meetings. During the Ministerial segment, the leaders and soft infrastructure projects related to connectivity and highlighted the necessity of identifying the practical trade, to recommend on future BIMSTEC policies and solutions to address the challenges on controlling strategies to enhance connectivity and trade, and to cybercrimes, transnational organized crimes, to ensure recommend an effective institutional mechanism to safety and security for the social and economic growth, monitor and facilitate implementing the priority projects. especially, to ensure a secure future for the youth, women BTILS has identified a long list of 166 projects as and children. While condemning terrorism, in all its forms being 'important' in a national context. Out of this, 65 and manifestations, the leaders called for collective actions projects have been selected as priority projects including 6 in fighting this menace and stressed that terrorists should projects from Nepal which are national projects of the not escape prosecution. country concerned with either ‘governmental’ or donor

infrastructure development programs. It has singled out 35 2. SAARC Finance Ministers and Finance projects in the Road Sector and 12 projects in the Railway Secretaries Meeting Sector. It also pinpointed common constraints in the

development of transport connectivity in the region and The Eighth Meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers proposed breaking bottle-necks such as lengthy and Eighth Meeting of SAARC Finance Secretaries were administrative procedures, unnecessary documentation held in Islamabad on 26 August and 25 August 2016 requirements, lack of automation for smooth and efficient respectively. Nepali delegation at the Ministerial Meeting transport and transit arrangements. was led by Hon. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime The first Meeting of the Working Group adopted the Minister and Minister for Finance. Finance Secretaries proposed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the BTCWG, level meeting was led by Mr. Baikuntha Aryal, Joint agreed on the Work Plan for BTCWG for the period of Secretary, Ministry of Finance. 2016-2018 and also agreed to provide the list of priority While delivering country statements the leader projects by 30th of October 2016. highlighted, among others, on accelerating the process The Meeting was led by Mr. Mani Prasad Bhattarai, towards South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) in a phased Joint Secretary (Regional Organizations Division) of the and planned manner as mentioned in the Declaration of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and attended by the Senior 18th SAARC Summit; ensuring implementation of Officials of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and decisions recommended by the Member States at various 9 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs Transport and Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil information/knowledge and best practices among SAARC Aviation of the Government of Nepal. Members through the launching of a common web portal, Nepal has been proposed to take initiatives for the 4. Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Senior Officials implementation of action plan in this area in cooperation Meeting with the SAARC Secretariat. As regards to the monitoring of progress towards SDGs and corresponding targets, the The Senior Officials Meeting of the Asia Cooperation Meeting took up the issue of SDGs seriously and Dialogue (ACD), held in Bangkok on 14 September 2016 emphasized on developing regional indicators for raising discussed on the Draft ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation quality education in SAARC while implementing the 2030, Draft Bangkok Declaration and Draft ACD SDGs by the Member States. Nepal, together with SAARC Statement on Reigniting Growth through Partnership for Secretariat, is proposed to take the lead in carrying out the Connectivity which would be adopted by the leaders at the action plans in this area of cooperation. 2nd ACD Summit being held in Bangkok on 8-10 October 2016. The Meeting after detailed deliberations, agreed in 6. Informal Meeting of the SAARC Council of principle to send them for consideration of the ACD Ministers Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held on the sidelines of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly On the sidelines of the 71st session of the United (UNGA) in New York on 22 September 2016. Nations General Assembly, the Informal Meeting of the Thailand is hosting the 2nd ACD Summit in Bangkok SAARC Council of Ministers was held in New York on 21 on 8-10 October 2016 under the theme "One Asia, Diverse September 2016 with participation of all eight member Strengths". The Leaders (Heads of State and Government) states of SAARC. Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. of 34 ACD Member States from all regions of Asia are Prakash Sharan Mahat, as the current Chair of the SAARC attending the Summit to discuss Asia's strengthens and Council of Ministers, presided over the Meeting. The resources as well as its future endeavours for harnessing Meeting reviewed progress achieved on the synergies and move towards inclusive Asia. implementation of the decisions of the 37th Meeting of the Mr. Mani Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary/Chief of SAARC Council of Ministers and its preceding meetings Regional Organizations Division attended the said Meeting held in Pokhara in March 2016. During the occasion, the and put forward views and priorities of the country. head of delegation of Pakistan briefed about the ongoing preparations for hosting the 19th SAARC Summit 5. SAARC Technical Meeting of Senior Officials on scheduled to be held in Pakistan on 9 to 10 November Education 2016. The SAARC Technical Meeting of Senior Officials on Education was held in New Delhi, India on 15-16 September 2016 with a view to formulating concrete action plans for implementing the "New Delhi Declaration on Education" adopted by the Meeting of the SAARC Ministers of Education/Higher Education on 31 October 2014, and for advancing SDGs goals and its associated targets. The Meeting was also tasked with the responsibility of acquiring appropriate policy inputs from the representatives of the SAARC Members for the finalization of the SAARC Framework for Action (SFFA) for Education 2030 and its subsequent consideration and adoption by the Third Meeting of the SAARC Education Ministers to be held towards the end of 2016. Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Foreign Minister of Nepal, The delegations from all SAARC Member States and addressing the Meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers representatives from New Delhi based UNESCO, UNICEF on the sidelines of the 71st session of the UNGA in New York. and the South Asian University (SAU) participated in the 7. The Ninth SAARC Food Bank Board Meeting meeting. The Meeting concluded along with the adoption The Ninth SAARC Food Bank Board Meeting was of SAARC Framework for Action 2030 and Draft Action held in Kathmandu from 21-22 September 2016. Delegates Plan for Implementation of the "New Delhi Declaration on from all SAARC Member countries attended the meeting. Education" with the common agreement to forward these The meeting was inaugurated by Hon. Deepak Bohara, documents for further consideration and approval by the Minister for Supplies. In his remarks, Mr. Bohara Third SAARC Education Ministers' Meeting to be held in mentioned that though the Board has made some good late 2016 in Maldives. progress by bringing out the Publication Guide to the The Meeting held wide-ranging discussion on several SAARC Food Bank and undertaking the Food Bank issues of regional cooperation on education sector. In the Information System, in terms of operationalizing the Bank, particular area of documentation and sharing of 10 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs the uncertainty was not over. He expressed hope that the The Hon. Minister expressed his confidence that the Board through a candid exchange of ideas would arrive at a region would be able to attain Sustainable Development mechanism tailored to overarching food security goals and Goals (SDGs) by the set timeframe as the 2030 Agenda objectives of the SAARC region. The meeting also agreed provides a framework for promoting inclusive, equitable on the draft text of the Agreement on establishing the and sustainable development at the regional level through SAARC Food Bank incorporating the amendment proposals our constructive and collaborative efforts. made by member countries. The said Meeting deliberated and endorsed the following three documents to be placed at the 2nd ACD Summit scheduled to be held in Bangkok on 8-10 October 2016: . Bangkok Declaration . ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation 2030 (ACD Vision 2030) . ACD Statement on Reigniting Growth through Partnership for Connectivity

9. Republic of Korea (ROK) –SAARC Partnership Seminar

Hon. Mr. Deepak Bohara (Right in the Centre), Minister for An Official from the Regional Organizations Division, Supplies of Nepal, addressing the inaugural session of the Ninth Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Nepal represented at SAARC Food Bank Board Meeting in Kathmandu. the Seventh Republic of Korea-SAARC Partnership 8. ACD Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Sidelines Seminar held in Seoul, South Korea on 26 September 2016. The theme for this year's Seminar was "Enhancing of the UNGA Economic Connectivity in SAARC: Focusing on The United Arab Emirates, as the incoming Chair of Promotion of Intra-regional Trade" and it was hosted by the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) hosted the ACD the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the sidelines of 71st The main objectives of the Seminar were to create a Session of the UNGA in New York on 22 September platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas, and to 2016. identify concrete measures for further enhancing ROK- SAARC Cooperation. During the wide-ranging discussion, the participants from the SAARC Member States, SAARC Secretariat and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, among others, emphasized on the need for deeper engagement with the ROK as an observer of SAARC, and forwarded policy recommendations in this regard. The Seminar was chaired by the Deputy Director- General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea where all the representatives from the SAARC Member States and SAARC Secretariat made brief presentations focusing on enhancing economic connectivity and intra-regional trade in SAARC and role Hon. Foreign Minister of Nepal Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat (Left) addressing the ACD Ministerial Meeting in New York. of observers. The Republic of Korea joined SAARC as an observer The Nepalese Delegation led by Hon. Dr. Prakash in 2006, and since then has been organizing various Sharan Mahat attended the Meeting. While participating training programmes/seminars to support capacity in the discussions, Hon. Dr. Mahat emphasized on placing building of the government officials of the SAARC poverty eradication on the forefront of ACD agenda. He Member States in various fields. The Republic of Korea- also stressed on the potentials of regional cooperation in SAARC Partnership Seminar was started in 2010 with an the areas of energy, connectivity, tourism and culture. aim of harnessing the potential of Korea-SAARC While highlighting the special needs of Least Developed cooperation.

Countries (LDCs) and Land-Locked Developing 10. Regional Conference on SAARC Effectiveness Countries (LLDCs), the Minister underlined the A Regional Conference on SAARC Effectiveness was importance of promoting inclusive, equitable and organized by the International Relations and Labour sustainable development at the regional level through the Committee of the Legislature-Parliament of Nepal on 29- effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for 30 September 2016 at Soaltee Crown Plaza, Kathmandu. Sustainable Development. Chairpersons of Parliamentary Committees of all SAARC 11 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs Member Countries and resource persons (paper presenters certificate, nationality verification and and commentators) were also invited to attend the those who are visiting India for study purpose Conference. The Conference was inaugurated by the Rt. 3 Recommendation for Indian pension 2 Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 4 Recommendation for issuing Nepalese driving license on the basis of foreign 'Prachanda'. 268 driving license held by the Nepalese citizen. 5 Recommendation letter to Indian Embassy for character verification report 50 to Nepalese citizens during their period of stay in India. 6 Recommendation for procurement of 4 chemicals & explosives 7 Recommendation letter to Indian Embassy for issuing vehicle permit for 4 vehicles to enter India. 8 Correspondence to the concerned authorities of Nepal regarding the citizenship renouncement of Nepalese 9 Rt. Hon. Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Prime Minister citizens as per their application of Nepal, addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Regional submitted to the Nepalese missions Conference on SAARC Effectiveness in Kathmandu. abroad 9 Correspondence letter regarding Papers were presented by foreign and Nepali experts authenticity of Power of Attorney issued 176 by Nepalese missions abroad on five topics i.e. overview of three decades of SAARC, 10 Correspondence to the concerned economic cooperation, fostering trust and understanding, authorities of Nepal regarding 31 deepening integration through enhanced connectivity, and authenticity of documents issued by the strengthening institutional mechanisms. The Regional Government of Nepal 11 POA, VOR, H-Form Request Organization Division, MoFA, Nepal had extended active (), and correspondence to the cooperation to organize the Conference. District Administration Office for 42 compensation to Nepalese citizens died abroad. D. Passport & Consular Activities 12 Correspondence concerning search and rescue of Nepalese nationals to the 56 I. Passport Activities Nepalese Missions abroad 13 Correspondence with regards to Department of Passport has distributed repatriation of dead body of Nepalese 123 104,878 passports and travel documents in this nationals abroad 14 Correspondence to the government 14 period. The detail is as follows: agencies in Nepal 15 Number of draft received for the 4 S.N. Passport/Travel Number compensation from Malaysia. 16 Handover of compensation amount from Document Malaysia to the concerned family 20 1 Diplomatic 109 17 Correspondence to the Nepalese Missions on various subjects including 33 2 Official 351 insurance and compensation enquiry 18 Correspondence to the foreign missions 3 Ordinary 104,386 30 based in Nepal 4 Travel Document 32 19 Telephone and e-mail enquiries about Total 104,878 insurance and compensation with the 36 Nepalese Missions abroad. B Visa and Exemption Section II. Consular Activities 1 Issuance of diplomatic/official/gratis 538 visa The numerical details of the service delivery of 2 Issuance of diplomatic/official ID Card 95 Department of Consular Services over this period are as 3 Issuance of SAARC visa stickers 23 follows: 4 Number of recommendation for 547 No. of Work exemption S.N. Details of Services Performed 5 Number of visa recommendation to the 506 A Consular and Legal Counseling foreign missions on GON's nominations

Section C Attestation section 1 Recommendation for Medical treatment, 1 Number of attested documents Religious tour, World cycling tour, and 21,748 51 other Total 24,695 2 Recommendation for Indian education 285 12 MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs