MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs

May-July 2016 Vol 1, Issue 1

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Policy, Planning, Development Diplomacy and Nepali Diaspora Division Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Tel. 4200182-185, Fax: 4200061, 4200160 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.mofa.gov.np Inside this Issue Chief Patron: Hon. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Foreign Affairs A. Bilateral Affairs B. Multilateral Affairs Patron: C. Regional Affairs Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary D. New Ambassadors Proposed E. Presentation of Credentials Editorial Team F. Completion of Tenure Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Joint Secretary G. Passport and Consular Activities Dr. Damaru Ballabha Paudel, Under Secretary H. Missions’ Activities Mr. Sagar Prasad Phuyal, Section Officer I. Miscellaneous

A. Bilateral Affairs climate change. The ceremony was convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 22 April 1. The Speaker Visits United Kingdom 2016 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

A delegation of Nepali parliamentarians, led DPM Thapa had a meeting with John Kerry, by Rt. Hon. Onsari Gharti Magar, Speaker of the Secretary of State, in Washington DC at latter’s Legislature Parliament, visited the United Kingdom office on 26 April 2016. Matters of bilateral and from 17 - 23 April 2016. During the visit, the Rt. Hon. mutual interests were discussed during the meeting. Speaker held a meeting with the Speaker of House of Priorities of the Government of Nepal in the Commons, Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP. Similarly, the context of implementation of the constitution and delegation had meetings with several other British ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction drive were parliamentarians including Deputy Speaker, Chair highlighted. Renewal of high-level contact helped to of Women and Equalities Committee, and Chairman deepen the relationship between the two countries. of All Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal. 3. Swedish IDE Minister Visits Nepal The Nepali delegation exchanged views on various aspects of Nepal-UK relations in the The Swedish International Development context of the ongoing celebrations of bicentenary Cooperation Minister H. E. Isabella Lövin visited of Nepal-UK relations, implementation of the new Nepal from 25 - 27 April 2016. During her stay in constitution, post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, Kathmandu, the Swedish Minister met with the and development co-operation between the two Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and countries. The Nepali delegation included Chief Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Whip of NC Parliamentary Party Hon. Chinkaji and the Minister for Finance. She congratulated for Shrestha, Chief Whip of CPN-UML Hon. Bhanu promulgating the new constitution and expressed Bhakta Dhakal, Chief Whip of UCPN-Maoist Hon. Swedish commitment to help Nepal's post- Hit Raj Pandey, Chief Whip of RPPN Hon. Dil earthquake reconstruction works. Nath Giri, Secretary General and Secretary of the 4. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Parliament Secretariat. Foreign Affairs Visits UK 2. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Visits the USA Affairs Hon. Kamal Thapa visited the United The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Kingdom from 26 – 28 April 2016. DPM Thapa had Foreign Affairs Hon. Kamal Thapa, visited the a meeting with Minister of State Rt. Hon. Hugo United States of America to participate in the high- Swire, during which the British Minister assured of level signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement on increased political and financial support to Nepal

MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 2 in the new context after the promulgation of the Sharma Oli on 10 May 2016. constitution. He also met with Minister of State at the Department for International Development (DFID) Matters relating to the promulgation of the Rt. Hon. Desmond Swayne MP. Constitution and post-earthquake reconstruction and development and employment opportunities in DPM Thapa launched a special souvenir ‘Taste of UAE were discussed. Nepal UK’ directory and inaugurated ‘Taste of Nepal UK’ website on the occasion. The special souvenir Mentioning the promulgation of the Constitution was jointly published by the Embassy of Nepal and as a remarkable achievement the visiting Minister Nepal Caterers Association UK, as part of series congratulated the President and the Prime Minister of events to celebrate the 200 years of diplomatic for this success. relations between Nepal and the UK. Earlier, DPM Thapa and HH Abdullah had 5. Auditor General of Nepal Visits the USA and separate official talks. Canada 8. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for At the invitation of Government Accountability Foreign Affairs Visits Israel Office of USA, Mr. Bhanu Prasad Acharya, the A Nepali delegation led by Deputy Prime Auditor General, visited USA from April 28 4 May - Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Mr. 2016. The Auditor General’s delegation also visited Kamal Thapa paid an official visit to the State of Canada from 4 to 10 May 2016 at the invitation of the Israel from 24 to 26 May 2016 at the invitation of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Israeli Government. The delegation included Foreign 6. Chief of the Army Staff Visits the USA Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Ambassador of Nepal to Israel H.E. Mr. Prahlad Kumar Prasai Chief of the Army Staff, General Rajendra and other senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Chhetri, visited the United States of America from Affairs and Embassy of Nepal in Tel Aviv. April 24 - May 05, 2016. Gen. Chhetri had meetings with Vice-Chief of Staff General Daniel B. Allyn, US During the visit, Hon. Thapa met the President of Army and Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at Israel HE Mr. Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister HE Mr. the Pentagon and with Assistant Secretary of State Benjamin Netanyahu, and Minister of Agriculture for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal at the and Rural Development HE Mr. Uri Yehuda Ariel as Department of State. During his US tour, Gen. Chhetri well as other dignitaries and diplomats. also had meetings with senior UN officials including Matters relating to the promulgation of the Under-Secretary General Atul Khare, Department Constitution, post-earthquake reconstruction, of Field Support (DFS), and Assistant Secretary prospect of employment for Nepali nationals in Israel, General Dmitry Titov, Department of Peacekeeping and Israeli cooperation in the field of agriculture Operations (DPKO) and Under Secretary General were discussed during the meeting. DPM Thapa also Jeffrey Feltman, Department of Political Affairs requested for the resumption of new visa issuance to (DPA). Nepali workers that remains halted from 31 March 7. UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs Visits Nepal 2009.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah, Minister for DPM Thapa, addressed the Israel Council on Foreign Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Relations in Jerusalem giving a talk on Nepal’s United Arab Emirates paid a day-long official visit Foreign Policy and Political Development and Nepal- to Nepal on 10 May 2016 at the invitation of Deputy Israel Relations. Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. 9. Sri Lanka Floods Minister Abdullah inaugurated the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Kathmandu. In mid May 2016, Sri Lanka suffered from heavy flood and landslides. Government of Nepal High Highness Sheikh Abdulla paid a courtesy provided $100,000 to the Government of Sri Lanka as call on the President Rt. Hon. Mrs. Bidya Devi humanitarian gesture. Bhandari and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. K. P.

MOFA BULLETIN 3 Current Affairs 10. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Visits Turkey • Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Issues: The 12th meeting of Nepal India Bilateral Affairs, Hon. Kamal Thapa, visited Turkey to Consultative Group on Security Issues was participate in the UN World Humanitarian held on 09 June 2016 in New Delhi. The Nepali Conference in Istanbul on 23-24 May 2016 and Mid- delegation comprising officials from Ministry term Review Conference of Istanbul Program of of Defense and Nepali Army was led by Mr. Action for LDCs in Antalya on 27-29 May 2016. Prakash Kumar Suvedi, Joint Secretary (South Asia) while Mr. Abhay Thakur, Joint Secretary DPM Thapa had a bilateral meeting with his (North) led the Indian delegation of similar Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mr. Mevlüt composition. Çavuşoğlu. The two Ministers had discussions on several areas of possible cooperation–educational • Meeting of Joint Working Group and Joint and cultural exchanges, development cooperation, Standing Committee on Power Sector and trade and tourism. Similarly, DPM Thapa Cooperation held in New Delhi: The third signed an agreement on establishment of bilateral meeting of the Joint Standing Committee (JSC) consultation mechanism between the two foreign and Joint Working Group (JWG) on Power ministries. Sector Cooperation between Nepal and India was held on 27-28 June in New Delhi. The 11. Meeting of the Bilateral Mechanisms Nepali Delegation for JWG was led by Mr. Suman Prasad Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of • Joint Standing Technical Committee on Energy and the Indian delegation was led by Water Resources: The 5th meeting of Nepal- Mr. P.K Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Power. India Joint Standing Technical Committee on The meeting deliberated on issues pertaining to Water Resources was held on 26 May 2016 power exchange between Nepal and India. in New Delhi. Nepali delegation was led by Mr. Madhav Belbase, Joint Secretary, Ministry • Boundary Working Group and Survey Officials’ of Irrigation, and the Indian delegation was Committee: The 3rd meeting of Nepal–India led by Mr. G.S. Jha, Chairman, Ganga Flood Boundary Working Group (BWG) was held in Control Commission. The meeting deliberated Kathmandu from 23 to 25 June 2016. The Nepali on Mahakali treaty, Saptakoshi High Dam delegation was led by Director General of Survey Multipurpose Project, Sunkoshi Storage cum Department and the Indian Delegation was led Diversion Scheme, Kosi and Gandak projects, by Surveyor General of India. The meeting was and cooperation on flooding, inundation and preceded by the 4th meeting of Survey Officials’ soil erosion. Committee (SOC) in Kathmandu from 20 to 22 June 2016. The meeting finalized the target and • First Nepal-Switzerland Consultation schedule for the next field season. It was decided Mechanism, Kathmandu: The first meeting that the completion of the backlogged tasks of Nepal-Switzerland Bilateral Consultation from previous field seasons will be given a high Mechanism (BCM) was held in Kathmandu on priority. 30 May 2016. The Consultation Mechanism was established by an MOU signed between the two • Eminent Persons’ Group Holds its First sides on 4 November 2015. Views on matters Meeting: The first meeting of Eminent Persons’ of mutual concern were discussed including Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG- NIR) regional cooperation, cooperation within the UN was held in Kathmandu on 25-26 July 2016. The framework, and global issues such as climate Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign change, migration, and human rights. Affairs inaugurated the meeting.

The Nepali delegation in the meeting was led The Governments of Nepal and India have by Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary (Europe assigned the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG), America). The Swiss delegation was led by comprising four members each from both Assistant State Secretary Ambassador Johannes the countries, to prepare a joint report with Matyassy, Head of Asia-Pacific Division of the recommendations on improving bilateral

MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 4 relations between Nepal and India in the Law Institute. changed context. Formation of EPG was decided upon Nepal’s proposal during the third Nepal- The delegation also visited Canada from 6 -9 India Joint Commission meeting in July 2014. June 2016. The delegation met with Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and visited a few • Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade, Canadian courts. Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade: The meeting of 13. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Inter Governmental Committee (IGC) on and Central Asian Affairs of the USA Visits Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Nepal Unauthorized Trade was held in New Delhi on Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South 28-29 June 2016. The Nepali delegation was led and Central Asian Affairs of the USA William Todd by Mr. Naindra Prasad Upadhyaya, Secretary, visited Nepal from 7 - 9 June 2016. He paid separate Ministry of Commerce and the Indian delegation courtesy calls on Prime Minister Rt. Hon. K. P. was led by Ms. Rita Teaotia, Secretary, Ministry Sharma Oli and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce. The meeting discussed matters for Foreign Affairs Hon. Kamal Thapa. related to bilateral trade and transit between Nepal and India. 14. U.K. Delegation Calls on the • Nepal-US TIFA Council Meets in Washington D. C.: The second meeting of Nepal-US Trade The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Permanent and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Under-Secretary Sir Simon McDonald and the UK Council was held in Washington D. C. on 10 Department for International Development’s (DFID) June 2016. The Council met after a gap of five Permanent Secretary Mark Lowcock paid official years. Minister for Commerce Hon. Jayant visit to Nepal from 7 – 9 June 2016. During the visit, Chand and United States Trade Representative the delegation called on the Prime Minister, Deputy Michael Froman co-chaired the meeting. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and Finance talks focused on non-reciprocal preferential Minister. trade benefits for Nepal through 31 December 2025 for certain US imports from Nepal. This The UK delegation reiterated the UK trade preference is considered as a catalytic to Government’s commitment to support the the growth in Nepali export sector. Both sides Government of Nepal in post-earthquake agreed to hold the next meeting of TIFA Council reconstruction and accelerated economic in 2017 in Nepal. development through continued development cooperation. The visit was a part of series of bilateral • Bilateral Consultation Mechanism signed exchanges between the two countries aimed at with Israel: Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker marking the bicentennial of Nepal-UK relations. Das Bairagi and Director General for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel signed the MoU 15. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on establishment of Consultation Mechanism Visits India between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and Israel. Hon. Kamal Thapa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited India on 10-11 12. Acting Chief Justice Visits the USA and Canada June 2016 to preside over the convocation ceremony of South Asian University. During the visit, he A delegation of the Supreme Court of Nepal had a meeting with Minister of External Affairs of headed by Acting Chief Justice Rt. Hon. Sushila India, H.E. Smt. Sushma Swaraj. The two Ministers Karki was on a study tour of the USA from 29 exchanged views on Nepal-India bilateral relations. May to 5 June 2016. During the visit, the Nepali Both leaders emphasized on the importance of delegation met with senior judges and officials at regular exchange of visits at different levels for Access to Justice Commissions at various courts further strengthening close and neighborly relations. across the USA, including the District of Columbia On 11 June 2016, DPM Thapa had a meeting with Dr. Court of Appeals, New York State Courts, Court Manmohan Singh, Former Prime Minister of India. of Arizona, and American Bar Association/Rule of

MOFA BULLETIN 5 Current Affairs 16. CIAA Chief Commissioner Visits Europe Adhikari visited India from 8 to 16 July 2016. The delegation visited Bhuj, Gujarat, to study the post- Hon. Lokman Singh Karki, Chief Commissioner earthquake reconstruction efforts. They had an of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse interaction with National Disaster Management of Authority (CIAA) visited France, Italy, Monaco Authority in India. The delegation met some and Portugal from 11 – 25 June 2016. During the prominent Indian MPs. There was also an interaction visit, Hon. Karki held meetings with the heads of with intellectuals and academicians at Research and anticorruption authorities of the respective countries Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). to exchange views and share experiences on anti- corruption measures and possibilities of cooperation 20. Foreign Secretary Visits Seoul in combating corruption. At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Foreign Secretary 17. IRLC Chairman Visits Canada and the US Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi visited Seoul from 07 to 10 The Chairman of International Relations and June 2016. The visit was a part of regular interaction Labour Committee of the Legislature Parliament Hon. between two Foreign Ministries. Prabhu Sah was on a visit to Canada and the USA Foreign Secretary Bairagi held a bilateral meeting from 28 June to 5 July 2016. He had a meeting with with Mr. Lim Sungnam, the first Vice-Minister of his Canadian counterpart, Chairman of the Standing Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. During Committee on Foreign Affairs and International the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress on Development of the House of Commons Canada, bilateral relations and economic cooperation. Hon. Robert D. Nault on 28 June. The Foreign Secretary also paid a courtesy call During visiting the USA, Mr. Shah had a on His Excellency Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister of bilateral meeting with Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on 8 June Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs 2016. Similarly, meetings were held with Deputy at the United States Department of State. Minister of Planning and Coordination of the Ministry of Employment and Labour, Executive Vice 18. Repatriation of Dead Bodies and Mortal President of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Remains from Afghanistan Agency (KOTRA), and Vice President of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). In the morning of 20 June 2016 in Kabul, Afghanistan 12 Nepali nationals were killed in a suicide bomb 21. Foreign Secretary Visits Beijing attack. One among the seven injured Nepali died on Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi 22 June 2016. Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy visited People’s Republic of China from 3 to 6 July of Nepal at Islamabad was immediately dispatched 2016. He held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Kong to Kabul to coordinate the rescue and repatriation Xuanyou, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, at efforts. Upon receiving the news of the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing on 4 July Ministry of Foreign Affairs called an emergency 2016. The two sides extensively discussed matters meeting with the representatives of Ministry of of bilateral relations with particular focus on status Home Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Employment, of implementation of various agreements and Ministry of Finance, Nepal Army, Civil Aviation understanding reached during the official visit of Authority of Nepal, and Nepal Airlines Corporation. Nepali Prime Minister to China in March this year. As decided by the Government of Nepal, a special Both sides reviewed the cooperation between the chartered flight of Nepal Airlines was dispatched to two countries on regional and global issues of mutual Kabul to repatriate the dead bodies which returned interests. to Kathmandu with the mortal remains of those Foreign Secretary paid a courtesy call on His killed and 24 Nepali workers that wanted to return. Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs 19. Parliamentary Delegation visits India of China at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion covered the major aspects of Nepal-China An 18 member team of the Parliamentary relations and ways for further strengthening them. Committee for Development led by Hon. Rabindra

MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 6 B. Multilateral Affairs 5. 'Women Deliver Conference' Held in Copenhagen 1. Process of Ratification of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Nepal was represented by a two-member parliamentary delegation led by Hon. Mahalaxmi Government of Nepal has submitted a proposal Sharma (Dina) Upadhyay in the 4th edition of to ratify the Convention on the Prohibition of 'Women Deliver Conference' held in Copenhagen, the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Denmark on 16-19 May 2016 with title theme of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their "Investment in Girls & Women Powers Progress for Destruction (the Biological Weapons Convention) A11". The conference was organized under the aegis to the Legislature-Parliament. Nepal had signed the of International Parliamentary Union and Asian Convention on 10 April 1972, the day it was opened Parliamentary Union. for signature. 6. World Humanitarian Summit 2. Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem A Nepali delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mr. Kamal Thapa, participated in the World Foreign Affairs Hon. Mr. Kamal Thapa led the Humanitarian Summit held in Istanbul on 23-24 May Nepali delegation to the Special Session of the 2016. DPM Thapa co-chaired the High-Level Leaders’ United Nations General Assembly on the World Roundtable on “Natural Disaster and Climate Drug Problem held on 19-21 April 2016 in New Change: Managing Risks and Crises Differently”. York. While addressing the session, he expressed Mentioning that development and humanitarian his confidence that a coherent and concerted plan of cooperation should go hand-in-hand, he underscored action emanating from the Session will go a long way that the humanitarian principles of neutrality, in ensuring an integrated and balanced strategy to independence, impartiality and universality should counter the World Drug Problem. be upheld and adhered to in all circumstances. 3. Signing Ceremony of Paris Agreement 7. Midterm Review of Istanbul Programme of On behalf of the Government of Nepal, the Action (IPOA) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign The Comprehensive High-Level Midterm Affairs, signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Review of the Implementation of the Istanbul Change on 22 April 2016, at the high-level signing Programme of Action for the Least Developed ceremony convened by the UN Secretary General Countries for the Decade 2011-2020 was held from 27 at New York. Addressing the meeting, DPM Thapa to 29 May 2016 in Antalya, Turkey. While recalling outlined that most Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Nepal’s role as chair of the global coordination continue to bear the brunt of action and inaction of bureau of LDCs to steer negotiations for the IPOA others, in climate change and urged the international in 2011, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the community to deliver on their promises of funding need for effective, full and timely implementation of and technology for sustainable development efforts the IPOA in coherence and synergies with the 2030 of the LDCs. Agenda for Sustainable Development. 4. Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of 8. Nepal elected as the Vice President of the 71st the United Nations Visits Nepal Session of the UN General Assembly Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, The United Nations General Assembly H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, paid a visit to Nepal from 30 (UNGA) unanimously elected Nepal as one of the April to 2 May 2016. He paid courtesy calls on the Vice-Presidents for the 71st Session of the General President, the Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Assembly on 14 June 2016. With this election, Nepal Minister and Foreign Minister. World Humanitarian will be a member of the UNGA General Committee, Summit, current political development and which serves as the bureau of the General Assembly, reconstruction works being undertaken in Nepal for three consecutive sessions, for the first time since as well as the Nepal-UN relations were discussed joining the UN in 1955. during the meetings.

MOFA BULLETIN 7 Current Affairs 9. Nepali candidate Elected to CEDAW Group on SAARC Priority Animal Diseases’. The Committee Meeting also decided that the activities of the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) on PPR (peste des Nepal's candidate Ms. Bandana Rana was elected petites ruminants) proposed during the PPR roadmap to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination meeting would be subsumed into the TOR and of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) with function of the SAARC Working Group on Animal th 106 out of 189 votes, receiving 6 highest number of Health and Disease. The Meeting considered the trail votes among 11 candidates in the election held on discussion on “SAARC Livestock Vision Group”. It 21 June 2016 in New York. This is the first time that also made several decisions on Establishing Regional Nepal's candidate has been elected in the CEDAW Vaccine Bank and Regional Livestock Gene Bank. Committee. 2. SAARC Regional Workshop on Rural Tourism 10. 32nd Session of the Human Rights Council SAARC Regional Workshop on Rural Tourism nd The 32 regular session of the Human Rights was held in Kathmandu from 2 to 3 June 2016 under Council was held in Geneva from 13 June to 1 July the SAARC-Japan Special Fund. The workshop was 2016. The delegation of Nepal participated in major inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Tourism thematic debates and interactive dialogues with and Civil Aviation. In his inaugural remarks, Hon. Special Rapporteurs during the course of the session. Minister remarked that rural tourism is not only eco- Nepal made interventions at the clustered interactive friendly, agro-friendly and environmentally better dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right initiative but also a critical factor of reducing poverty, of physical and mental health and the Special maintaining social justice and making rural people Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially aware of the hospitality, culture and international women and children. Nepal also made interventions tradition. at the clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences and the Working Group on the issues of discrimination against women.

11. First Special Council (2016) of the IOM

The 1st Special Council (2016) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was held on 30 June 2016 in Geneva. Making intervention in the Special Council, the Nepali delegation emphasized on the need for a strong partnership among Member States and international organizations, for improving the migrant's situation and for achieving the SDGs targets of 2030. Nepal also welcomed the admission of the three new members- Solomon Island, Tuvalu Nepal as a host country had presented a thematic and the People's Republic of China, to the IOM paper on “Rural Tourism: Hidden Treasures of and supported the draft agreement concerning the Destination”. relationship between the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration. 3. The Fourth Meeting of SAARC Cabinet C. Regional Affairs Secretaries The Fourth Meeting of SAARC Cabinet 1. The Fifth Meeting of the SAARC Chief Secretaries was held in Kathmandu on 9 to 10 June Veterinary Officers (CVOs) 2016. The Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Hon. K.P. The Fifth Meeting of the SAARC Chief Veterinary Sharma Oli, was the Chief Guest of the inaugural Officers was held in Nagarkot, Kathmandu from 13 session. The Prime Minister in his address to the to 14 April 2016. The Meeting agreed to constitute cabinet secretaries from the region highlighted the the ‘Working Group on SAARC Animal Health importance of deeper regional integration for the and Diseases’ and dropped the idea of ‘Working wellbeing of people in the region. Underlining the

MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 8 need for massive investment, enhanced connectivity diplomats from the Ministry of foreign affairs. and intra-regional trade for the overall development of the region, the Prime Minister highlighted the 1) Ms. Sewa Lamsal Adhikari: Pakistan important role of the Cabinet Secretaries in their 2) Mr. Tara Prasad Pokharel: Brazil respective countries in ensuring good governance as 3) Mr. Prakash Kumar Subedi: UN Offices in well as in implementing SAARC programmes and Vienna activities. 4) Mr. Rishi Ram Ghimire: Russia Best practices of the member states in the 5) Mr. Ramesh Prasad Khanal: Germany diverse fields of governance were also shared. Nepal shared its experience of local self-governance and 6) Mr. Jhabindra Prasad Aryal: Egypt community development programme and Ward 7) Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi: United Kingdom Citizen Forum and Citizen Awareness Centers in 8) Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa: Belgium and European local level. Union In parallel, a Workshop on Performance-Based E. Presentation of Credentials Incentive System (PBIS) was also organized. Nepal presented a comprehensive paper on “Performance- 1. Ambassadors-designate of the United Arab Based Incentive System: A Case Study of Nepali Emirates (residential), Kyrgyzstan, Algeria and Mali Experience”. (with residence in New Delhi) have presented their Letter of Credence to the President Rt. Hon. Mrs. 4. SAARC Seminar on Tax Treaty Negotiation . The ceremony was followed and Application by customary calls on the President and other high- A three-day Seminar on Tax Treaty Negotiations ranking dignitaries. and Application was held in Kathmandu on 11- F. Completion of Tenure 13 July 2016. While inaugurating the Seminar Director General of the Department of Inland Following Nepali Ambassadors have recently Revenue highlighted the need for collective efforts completed their tenure. of the government and private sector to exploit the opportunities of fiscal transactions and cope with the 1) H.E. Mr. Dhananjaya Jha- United Arab Emirates challenges in this globalized world. Nepal presented 2) H.E. Mr. Muktinath Bhatta- Denmark a paper on Nepal's Tax Reforms System. 3) H.E. Mr. Rudra Kumar Nepal- Australia 5. Meeting of the High Level Study Group (HLSG) 4) H.E. Mr. Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal-Pakistan on the Establishment of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Permanent Secretariat 5) H.E. Mr. Prahlad Kumar Prasai- Israel 6) H.E. Mr. Paras Ghimire- Myanmar A Nepali delegation participated in the meeting of the High Level Study Group (HLSG) on the 7) H.E. Mr. Kaman Singh Lama- Republic of Korea Establishment of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) 8) H.E. Mr. Ram Mani Pokharel- Belgium Permanent Secretariat in Bangkok on 14 July 2016. 9) H.E. Mr. Ravi Mohan Kopila- Russia The HLSG recommended that the ACD Secretariat be located in the State of Kuwait. It was also agreed G. Passport and Consular Activities that funding model, responsibilities, staffing of I. Passport Activities Secretariat will be discussed at a future date. The outcome of the Meeting is being presented to the 1. 1,81,658 Passports and Travel Documents upcoming ACD Ministerial Meeting. Issued in Three Months

D. New Ambassadors Proposed The Department of Passport has issued a total of 1,81,658 passports & travel documents which include Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee after 1,80,810 ordinary passports, 597 official passports, completing the hearing process has endorsed the 186 diplomatic passports and 65 travel documents nomination of proposed eight Ambassadors/ from Baishakh to Asar 2073 (13 April to 15 July 2016). Permanent Representatives. All of them are career

MOFA BULLETIN 9 Current Affairs Table:1(Monthly Production of Passports) The Pre-live enrollment facility is also provided in ten diplomatic and consular missions of Nepal in No. of Passports and Riyadh, Jeddah, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Doha, Abu S.No. Month Travel Documents Dhabi, Kuwait, London, New York, and Washington DC. While launching the system at the Department, 1 Baishakh 57,387 the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said 2 Jestha 61,523 that the issuance of the MRP in a day is a 'milestone' 3 Ashadh 62,848 in the history of the passport service delivery in 4 TOTAL 1,81,658 Nepal.

Out of the total 1,81,658 passports and Travel 3. Urgent Passports within a Day Documents produced, 57,387 were produced in the Department of Passports has started delivering month of Baishakh while 61,523 were produced passport within a day of application for the applicants in Jestha and 62,848 in Ashadh. Similarly, the seeking urgent services. Similarly, the applicants Department of Passport distributed a total of 62,615 are provided with the choice of two-day or three- passports and travel documents, whereas DAOs and day urgent services. The Deputy Prime Minister Diplomatic Missions distributed 1,10,660 and 8,383 and Minister for Foreign Affairs inaugurated the passports respectively. service amid a function on Ashad 19, 2073 BS (July 3, Table: 2 (Agencies distributing Passports) 2016). About 100 applicants have been utilizing this premium service every day. S. Office No. of Passports and No. Travel Documents 1 Department of 62,615 Passport 2 District Adminis- 1,10,660 trations Offices 3 Nepali Missions 8,383 Abroad 4 TOTAL 1,81,658

2. Live-enrollment System Introduced in the Department (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Kamal Thapa handing over a passport to Chandrakali On 3 July 2016, the Department of Passports began Budathoki while inaugurating one day service at the the pre-live enrollment system in the emergency Department of Passport in Kathmandu) services. This provides the applicants option to submit their passport applications online through 4. Lost and Stolen Passports remote computers or smart phones. The applicant's photograph, signature and finger print are taken live The process for issuance of new passports to the at the department. applicants whose passports are reported lost or stolen has been simplified. Now, an applicant can directly come to the DOP or district headquarters or diplomatic missions to report about his/her lost or stolen passport.

5. Department Interacts with the District Administration Offices ( DAOs)

(Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Department of Passports organized interaction Affairs Hon. Kamal Thapa (Center) while launching pre- programs in Morang, Kaski, Rupandehi, Kailali enrolment (online enrolment) system at the Department of and Kathmandu. Representatives from the nearby Passports in Kathmandu) Districts Administration Offices were invited to the interaction programs. Newly introduced schemes

MOFA BULLETIN Current Affairs 10 such as pre- enrollment, live-enrollment, and the 7 Recommendation letter to revenue structure were shared with the participants. Indian Embassy for issuing 2 vehicle permit for vehicles II. Consular Activities to enter India. The Department of Consular Services has witnessed 8 Correspondence to the significant increase in its consular functions over the concerned authorities of period of Baishakh to Ashad, 2073 in comparison Nepal regarding the citi- to the same period last year. The functions of zenship renouncement of 15 Department with regard to the search & rescue, Nepali citizens as per their insurance & compensation and other issues of the application submitted to Nepali nationals abroad have also increased in the Nepali missions abroad recent times. Number of consular attestation has 9 Correspondence letter re- increased. The Department receives in an average garding authenticity of 268 900 applications daily for the attestation of the Power of Attorney issued documents. The numerical details of the service by Nepali missions abroad delivery of the Department over this period are as 10 Correspondence to the follows: concerned authorities of Nepal regarding authentic- 33 No. of ity of documents issued by S.N. Details of Services Work Per- the Government of Nepal formed 11 POA, VOR, H-Form Re- A Consular and Legal Coun- quest (Malaysia), and cor- seling Section respondence to the District 107 1 Recommendation for Med- Administration Office for ical treatment, Religious compensation to Nepali citizens died abroad. tour, World cycling tour 11 and other 12 Correspondence concern- 2 Recommendation for In- ing search and rescue of 108 dian education certificate, Nepali nationals to the Ne- nationality verification and 490 pali Missions abroad those who are visiting In- 13 Correspondence with re- dia for study purpose gards to repatriation of 69 3 Recommendation for Indi- dead body of Nepali na- 7 an pension tionals abroad 4 Recommendation for issu- 14 Correspondence to the ing Nepali driving license government agencies in 62 on the basis of foreign driv- 530 Nepal ing license held by the Ne- 15 Number of draft received pali citizen. for the compensation from 47 5 Recommendation letter to Malasiya. Indian Embassy for char- 16 Handover of compensation acter verification report to 97 amount from Malaysia to 22 Nepali citizens during their the concerned family period of stay in India. 17 Correspondence to the Ne- 6 Recommendation for pro- pali Missions on various curement of chemicals & 15 subjects including insur- 72 explosives ance and compensation enquiry

MOFA BULLETIN 11 Current Affairs organized a tourism promotion event titled ''Nepal 18 Correspondence to the for- Now" on 23 April 2016 coinciding with the first eign missions based in Ne- 52 anniversary of the earthquake. Similarly, the pal Embassy hosted the Ninth International Everest Day 19 Telephone and email en- (Sagarmatha Diwas) on 29 May 2016 in Copenhagen quiries about insurance 55 coinciding with the 63 years of ascending of Mt. and compensation with the Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenjing Norgey Nepali Missions abroad. Sherpa. B Visa and Exemption Sec- tion 1 Issuance of diplomatic/of- 803 I. Miscellaneous ficial/gratis visa 1. Interactive Session on Nepal’s Foreign Policy 2 Issuance of diplomatic/of- 121 ficial ID Card Issues and MoFA’s Capacity Enhancement 3 Issuance of SAARC visa As part of its annual program, Ministry of 42 stickers Foreign Affairs organized an in-house interactive 4 Number of recommenda- session on Nepal’s foreign policy issues and 814 tion for exemption enhancing institutional capacity of MoFA on 2nd of July 2016 in Dhulikhel. The half-a day session 5 Number of visa recom- was conducted in the presence of DPM and Foreign mendation to the foreign 614 missions on GON's nomi- Minister, Hon. Kamal Thapa, and Foreign Secretary, nations Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi. In a lively interaction on the challenges and opportunities faced by the C Attestation section MOFA in the constantly changing domestic and 1 Number of attested docu- 60,234 international environment, suggestions were made ments on the areas to be focused to make this institution Total 60,690 a more responsive and robust. The discussion also covered the importance of making MOFA and Nepal’s Foreign Service a brand positively different H. Mission’s Activities from other services in terms of serving the interests of the country and the people. 1. Earthquake Memorial Day in London At the end of the session DPM Thapa gave The Embassy of Nepal in London organized direction on the ways and means to make MOFA Earthquake Memorial Day on 25th of April at the a dynamic institution and highlighted the need Embassy premises to commemorate the anniversary to ensure that the people working here are more of devastating Earthquake that struck Nepal on professional, accountable, and responsive public 25 April 2015. The Commemoration ceremony servants. DPM Thapa also underlined Nepal’s foreign was attended by the Mayor of Royal Borough of policy priorities and called for concerted efforts Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Robert Freeman, to realize them. Foreign Secretary Bairagi urged and the Director of South Asia Department of FCO, Foreign Service officials to demonstrate dedication Owen Jenkin. and commitment to the institution, people and the country. Constant enhancement of professional 2. Nepal Now and Everest Day held in qualities and institutional capacity can do better Copenhagen service to the foreign policy implementation of The Embassy of Nepal in Denmark, in collaboration Nepal, he said. with Nepal Tourism Board and NRN-Denmark,

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