Chief Patron: Hon'ble Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Inside This Issue Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for

Foreign Affairs

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

Editorial Team C. Regional Affairs Mr. Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Joint Secretary Dr. Damaru Ballabha Paudel, Under Secretary E., Passport and Consular Matters Ms. Indira Gohiwar Aryal, Section Officer

relationships. They expressed satisfaction over A. Bilateral Affairs the excellent state of India- relations that are deep, comprehensive and multi-faceted. They pledged to pursue new opportunities to 1. The Prime Minister Visits India Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba further deepen bilateral relations for the benefit accompanied by his spouse Dr. Arzu Rana of the people of both countries reaffirming Deuba, paid a State Visit to India on 23-27 their commitment to work towards August at the invitation of the Prime Minister strengthening bilateral relations on the basis of of India Shri Narendra Modi. The Nepali mutual trust, goodwill, mutual benefit, with delegation included Deputy Prime Minister due regard to each other’s aspirations, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Krishna sensitivities and interests. Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Finance Mr. Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Jitendra Narayan Dev, Minister for Commerce Mr. Meen Bahadur Bishwakarma, Members of Legislature-Parliament and other Senior Officials.

The with the Prime Minister of India

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the functioning of the ‘Oversight Mechanism’ established in 2016, and the progress made through the mechanism in Minister of External Affairs of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj resolving bottlenecks and speeding up receiving Prime Minister of Nepal at the Indira Gandhi implementation of ongoing projects under International Airport in New Delhi bilateral cooperation. They also recognized the During the visit, the two Prime Ministers held need for early completion of two ongoing comprehensive talks on all aspects of bilateral cross-border rail-link projects: (a) Jayanagar-

Bijalpur-Bardibas and (b) Jogbani- Prime Ministers appreciated the contribution rail-links. The two Prime Ministers also noted made by the Foundation in bolstering people- with satisfaction that the railway lines from to-people ties and acknowledged the immense Jayanagar to and from Jogbani to goodwill the Foundation has generated at Biratnagar Custom Yard are expected to be people’s level through its activities. completed by 2018.

Bilateral Meeting held between Nepali and Indian Delegation Prime Ministers of Nepal and India witnessing the exchange of documents While emphasizing the need for channelizing more direct investments from India into Nepal, The two Prime Ministers witnessed the The Prime Minister of Nepal shared exchange of the following documents on information about the recent steps taken by the August 24: Government of Nepal to spur economic i) MoU on Modalities for Utilization of reforms with the aim of enhancing investors' India’s Housing Grant Component to confidence. support Reconstruction of 50,000 Houses ii) MoU on Implementation of the Grant Both Prime Ministers agreed on early Component of India’s Post-Earthquake conclusion of the Letters of Exchange for Reconstruction Package in the Education transit of bulk cargo to Nepal using multi- Sector in Nepal modal transport, movement of traffic in transit iii) MoU on Implementation of the Grant via Nepal and amendment to Rail Services Component of India’s Post-Earthquake Agreement. Both sides agreed to take steps for Reconstruction Package in Cultural early upgradation and operationalization of the Heritage Sector in Nepal agreed trade points namely Dhangadhi- iv) MoU on Implementation of the Grant Gauriphanta, Guleria-Murthia, Jatahi-Pipraun Component of India’s Post-Earthquake and Pashupatinagar-Sukhiapokhri. The two Reconstruction Package in the Health sides also agreed to examine expeditiously the Sector in Nepal impacts of recently introduced Goods and v) Cooperation Agreement between Bureau Service Tax in India on bilateral and transit of Indian Standards (BIS) and Nepal trade. Both sides agreed to organize the next Bureau of Standards and Metrology meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee vi) MoU on Drug Demand Reduction and on trade, transit and control of unauthorized Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in trade at the Secretary level by the end of 2017, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic to discuss all trade and transit related issues Substances and Precursor Chemical and with an objective to facilitate bilateral and Related Matters transit trade. vii) MoU for construction of Mechi bridge viii) MoU between Institute of Chartered On the occasion of B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Accountants of India and Institute of Foundation completing 25 years of its Chartered Accountants of Nepal. establishment in December 2016, the two

During the visit, the Prime Minister paid pillars. The meeting agreed to continue the separate calls on Shri Ram Nath Kovind, remaining boundary field works so as to President and Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice complete them in the next five years and to President of India. Senior Cabinet members of mobilize one additional joint field team in the Government of India including Smt. order to expedite the remaining works. Sushma Swaraj, Shri Arun Jaitley and the President of Indian National Congress Smt. Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh and INC leader Shri Karan Singh called on the Prime Minister. An official banquet was hosted by the Prime Minister of India in honour of the visiting dignitary and his delegation.

During his stay, Prime Minister Deuba interacted with Indian business community at a function jointly hosted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India The fourth meeting of Nepal- India Boundary Working Group

(ASSOCHAM), the Confederation of Indian The meeting decided that the activities of the Industry (CII), and the Federation of Indian next field season shall commence from 1st of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). November. The Nepali and Indian delegation The Prime Minister also addressed a civic in the meeting was led by Mr. Ganesh Prasad reception function organized by India Bhatta, Director General of Survey Foundation, a think-tank, in New Delhi. Department and Maj. Gen. V.P. Srivastava, Surveyor General of India respectively. The next meeting of the BWG is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu in August 2018 after the completion of the upcoming field works.

3. Mr. Wang Yang visits Nepal Mr. Wang Yang, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China paid an official visit to Nepal on 14-17 August. During the visit, an official meeting was held th between Nepal and China on 15 August The Prime Minister addressing a civic reception function where Nepali delegation was led by Mr. Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar, Deputy Prime Minister and 2. The Fourth Meeting of Nepal-India Minister for Local Development and Federal Boundary Working Group (BWG) Affairs comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Concluded Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Krishna The fourth meeting of Nepal - India Boundary Bahadur Mahara, Ministers of Health, Finance, Working Group (BWG) concluded with Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Physical signing of an agreed minute in Dehradun, India Infrastructure and Transport, Commerce, on 30 August. The meeting reviewed the Ambassador of Nepal to China, Secretaries of progress made in the past three years in the different ministries and senior officials of the boundary related field works as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the mandate of the BWG that include construction, Chinese delegation was led by the Mr. Yang restoration and repair of boundary pillars, as comprising Deputy Secretary General of the well as works related to the clearance of No State Council, Vice Ministers of the National Man’s Land and GPS observation of boundary Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Commerce; Assistant Minister of

Foreign Affairs, Chinese Ambassador to Deuba to the Premier Mr. Li. stressing on the Nepal, senior officials of the State Council and fact that Nepal and China have been working the Chinese Foreign Ministry. closely to capitalize the opportunities created by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of expressed his conviction that the initiative bilateral relations and cooperation. The would enhance mutual co-operation in the meeting was followed by the signing of fields of developing cross-border connectivity, bilateral agreements on economic cooperation. building physical infrastructure, promoting Dr. Shanta Raj Subedi, Secretary, Ministry of trade, tourism, investment and people-to- Finance of the Government of Nepal and Mr. people relations. DPM/FM Mahara said that he Yu Jianhua, Vice Minister and Deputy had come up with a common consensus among International Trade Representative of the major political leaders in the government and Ministry of Commerce of China signed the in the opposition to carry forward railway following documents on behalf of their connectivity as a national priority project. Both respective governments:- sides agreed to take necessary measures to i) Agreement on Economic and Technical carry out technical study of the project. Both Cooperation sides also agreed to continue the exchange of ii) Framework Agreement on Promotion of high-level visits between the two countries. Investment and Economic Cooperation iii) Letters of Exchange for Oil and Gas Resources Exploration in Nepal.

During the visit, Vice Premier Mr. Wang Yang also paid courtesy calls on the President Mrs. Bidya Devi Bhandari and the Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Courtesy call on Chinese Premier Mr. Li Keqiang by DPM/FM

The DPM/FM also called on Mr. Yang Jiechi, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China, at Zhongnanhai, Beijing on 7 September. In the meeting, DPM/FM Mahara said that the Government of Nepal has

The Prime Minister of Nepal with Mr. Wang Yang accorded high importance to the implementation of MoU on BRI signed 4. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister between the two countries. State Councilor for Foreign Affairs Visits China Yang said that the two countries should elevate The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for their relations to a new height with a long-term Foreign Affairs (DPM/FM) of Nepal Mr. vision and implement projects under the BRI Krishna Bahadur Mahara visited the People’s for mutual benefit. Republic of China on 6-11 September. DPM/FM Mahara held bilateral talks with his During the visit, The DPM/FM called on Mr. counterpart Mr. Yi, at latter's office 7 Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of September. During the talks, the two sides the People’s Republic of China, at expressed happiness over the excellent state of Zhongnanhai, Beijing on 7 September. During bilateral relations between Nepal and China, the meeting, Mr. Mahara conveyed the and exchanged views on strengthening further greetings of Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur co-operation. The two sides agreed to

implement the agreements and understandings inaugurated the newly established Consulate concluded in the past and convene the General of Nepal in Guangzhou on 10 meetings of bilateral mechanisms. DPM/FM September. He also addressed the business Mahara expressed Nepal’s support to China’s community and met with the provincial leaders Belt and Road Initiative, and said that Nepal in Guangzhou. stands to benefit from it. He also appreciated China’s continued development assistance and support for post-earthquake reconstruction activities. DPM/FM Mahara expressed his happiness over the upgradation of the Kerung- Rasuwagadhi border point as an international port, and hoped that the Tatopani border point would resume operations soon. A joint Press Conference was held following the bilateral talks. Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Yi hosted a luncheon in honor of DPM/FM Mahara. DPM/FM Mr. Mahara at the Inauguration Ceremony of the newly established Consulate General in Guangzhou

6. Japan Extends Grant Aid for the Implementation of the School Sector Development Program The Government of Japan has extended grant assistance of up to three hundred million Japanese Yen (¥300,000,000), equivalent to two hundred eighty million Nepali Rupees (NRs.280,000,000) to the Government of

Bilateral talks held between Nepal and China in Beijing Nepal for the School Sector Development Program (SSDP).The Exchange of Notes and A Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Grant Agreement in this regard had been Co-operation between the Ministry of Energy signed between the Government of Nepal and of the Government of Nepal and the National the Government of Japan on August 15. Energy Administration of the People’s In addition to this support, Japan has been Republic of China was initialed at the assisting Nepal through various programs in Embassy of Nepal, Beijing on 7 September. education to support Nepal's efforts to attain The MoU was initialed by Mr. Sushil K sustainable socio-economic growth. The Lamsal, Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister, Government of Japan has been implementing Embassy of Nepal on behalf of the Ministry of the Emergency School Reconstruction Project Energy of Nepal and by Mr. He Yang, Deputy for rebuilding and retrofitting schools in the Director General, on behalf of the National districts severely affected by the 2015 Energy Administration of China. This MoU earthquake. The Japanese side has said that the aims at expanding co-operation between the objectives envisaged by the program will be two countries in the development of power achieved, and contribute towards further generation projects and joint investment in strengthening the existing relationship of power grid including feasibility study in cross- friendship and cooperation between the border power grid interconnection, among peoples of Japan and Nepal. others.

5. Inauguration of Consulate General of 7. A Consultation Meeting Nepal in Guangzhou A consultation meeting between the Ministry Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Deputy Prime of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Ministry of Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs of Republic of Korea was held

on 20 September. Mr. Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Joint Secretary/Chief of the Northeast Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and Mr. Ryu Jeong-hyun, Director General for South Asia and Pacific Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea led their respective delegation to the meeting. The main agenda of the meeting were the upcoming 4th Bilateral Consultation DPM/FM Mahara witnessing the signing ceremony Meeting, High-Level Bilateral Exchanges, 9. Prime Minister's Visit to Muscat Economic Relations and Cooperation, Official The Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba Development Assistance, Employment Permit paid an Official Visit to the Sultanate of Oman System, Cultural Cooperation and People-to- on 25 -28 September. The Prime Minister was People Exchanges among others. warmly welcomed by His Highness Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers of Government of Sultanate of Oman, at the Muscat International Airport on 25 September. The Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba had a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers of the Government of Sultanate of Oman at the Diwan of Royal Court, Muscat, on 26th of Delegates of Nepal and the Republic of Korea during the consultation meeting September. Matters of mutual benefits and interests as well as the ways and means of 8. Nepal and Morocco Establish expanding Nepal-Oman cooperation were Consultation Mechanism discussed during the meeting with particular The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and focus on foreign employment, trade, tourism the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and and investment. Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco entered into the Memorandum of In the bilateral meeting, the Prime Minister Understanding (MoU) on Consultations and was accompanied by DPM/FM Mr. Krishna Cooperation on 3 August. The MoU was Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Labour and signed by Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Employment Mr. Farmullah Mansoor, Minister Bairagi and Mr. Mohamed Maliki, for Women Children and Social Welfare, Ms. Ambassador of Morocco to Nepal on behalf of Asha Koirala, Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker the Governments of Nepal and Morocco Das Bairagi, Foreign Affairs Advisors to the respectively at a ceremony held at the Ministry Prime Minister Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, of Foreign Affairs, Singhdurbar, Kathmandu. Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Oman Ms. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, and other Foreign Affairs Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara senior officials. On the Omani side, His witnessed the signing ceremony. Highness Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Al-Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of The MoU establishes a consultation Ministers was accompanied by Dr. Ali Masoud mechanism at the level of Foreign Secretary or Ali Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Director General to be convened annually in Industry, Sheikh Abdullah Nasser Al Bakri, Nepal and Morocco alternatively to facilitate Minister of Manpower, Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al- exchange of visits as well as to conduct Sheibaniya, Minister of Education, and other consultations between the two countries in all senior officials. areas of mutual interests.

Government. The agreement aims at investing in energy and transportation sectors including through the construction of about 300 km electricity transmission lines and the maintenance of roads in various parts of the country.

11. Chief Justice Visits the Russian

The Prime Minister and His Highness Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Federation and the UK Al-Said holding official talks in Diwan A four member delegation led by Chief Justice, Mr. Gopal Parajuli visited the Russian A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was th Federation on 23-25 September at the signed at Muscat, on 27 of September, on invitation of the Chairman of the Supreme establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism Court of the Russian Federation, Mr. between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and Vyacheslav M. Lebedev. During the visit, the the Sultanate of Oman. Nepali Ambassador Nepali delegation met with Mr.Vyacheslav M. Ms. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal and Mr. Shiekh Lebedev and the Director General of the Hilah Marhoon Al-Mammari, Head of West Judicial Department Mr. Alexandar V. Gusev Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign and discussed the matters of mutual interests Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman signed the including the possible cooperation between the MoU on behalf of the respective governments. Judiciaries of both countries. DPM/FM Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara witnessed the signing ceremony. The delegation also visited the United

The conclusion of the MoU aims at enhancing Kingdom from 27 September to 3 October. bilateral cooperation in different sectors During his visit, Mr Parajuli held a meeting including economic, cultural, technological, with the President of the Supreme Court of the scientific and educational relations. United Kingdom, Ms. Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE and also had an official meeting with the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Sir Ian Burnett at his office. Discussions pertaining to legal system and constitutional development of both countries were held during the meetings. 12. Nepal and the CERN conclude the International Cooperation Agreement An International Cooperation Agreement concerning scientific and technical cooperation

DPM/FM Mahara witnessing the signing ceremony in high-energy physics and related areas was signed between the Government of Nepal and 10. Nepal and the US Sign MCC Compact for the European Organization for Nuclear Nepal Research (CERN) in Geneva on 19 September. The Government of Nepal and the United Mr. Deepak Dhital, Ambassador of Nepal to States of America signed the Millennium Switzerland/Permanent Representative to the Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact of UN and other International Organizations in $630 million during a signing ceremony held Geneva signed the agreement on behalf of the at the US Department of State in Washington Government of Nepal and Dr. Fabiola DC on 14 September. On behalf of the Gianotti, Director General of CERN signed on Government of Nepal, the compact agreement behalf of the CERN. The agreement is was signed by the Minister of Finance, Mr. expected to contribute towards an enhanced Gyanendra Bahadur Karki and MCC CEO Mr. collaboration and cooperation between the Jonathan Nash represented the US

Government of Nepal and the CERN on The Prime Minister Deuba addressed the 72nd scientific and technical research areas. Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 23 13. Presentation of Credentials September. In his address, the Prime Minister Ambassador of Nepal to the Republic of highlighted Nepal’s perspectives on several Poland, Mr. Ramesh Prasad Khanal presented pressing issues of global importance. Pointing his Letters of Credence, to Mr. Andrzej Duda, towards the multiple transnational challenges President of the Republic of Poland on 27 including terrorism, climate change, food September at the Presidential Palace of Poland insecurity and mass migration, the Prime in Warsaw. Ambassador of Nepal to the Minister said that such challenges are the United Kingdom, Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi litmus tests for the leadership of nations. presented his Letters of Credence to the Secretary General of International Maritime He called for the support of the international Organization (IMO), Mr.Kitack Lim at the community to Nepal’s candidature to the IMO Head Office in London on 31 August. Dr. Human Rights Council for 2018 to 2020. The Subedi also presented his credentials to the Prime Minister stressed on the need for International Coffee Organization (ICO) as addressing genuine concerns for security, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to Mr. Jose development and wellbeing of small nations. Sette, Executive Director of ICO. He also shared Nepal’s successful peace 14. Nepal Expresses Heartfelt Condolences process and the aspirations of the people for The Government of Nepal expressed deep economic prosperity. On the occasion, the sorrow and extended sincere condolences to Prime Minister mentioned about the recently the Government and people of Mexico over the concluded local level elections and the loss of lives and properties caused by the ongoing preparations for holding elections for earthquake that struck Mexico on 19 the provincial and federal parliaments later this September. year.

B. Multilateral Affairs

1. Nepal's Participation at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly The Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba led the high level Nepali delegation to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The high level Nepali delegation to the 72nd Session comprised The Prime Minister addressing the 72nd session of the UNGA among others, of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Krishna The Prime Minister addressed the World Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Women, Leaders Forum of Columbia University on 21 Children and Social Welfare Mrs. Asha September. The Prime Minister shared Nepal’s Koirala; Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime journey to inclusive democracy and Minister Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai; Foreign development at the Forum. He shared that Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi; Permanent Nepal pursues political pluralism at home and Representative of Nepal to the United Nations multipolarity in international relations, adding in New York, Mr. Durga Prasad Bhattarai, that it was critical to the building of trust and Head of the UN Division, Ministry of Foreign confidence for peace, progress and prosperity. Affairs Joint Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal The Prime Minister also fielded a wide range and other senior officials of the Government of of questions from the audience. Nepal.

On the sidelines of the UNGA, the Prime September. After ratification by the Minister held a meeting with Mr. Antonio Parliament, Nepal will become a party to the Guterres, UN Secretary-General on 23 Treaty. The DPM/FM attended the High-level September. meeting on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse hosted by the UN Secretary-General on 18 September and expressed Nepal's commitment to the Voluntary Compact against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

The DPM/FM attended Ministerial Meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Group of 77 and China and LLDCs. In those meetings, he highlighted Nepal's policies on the respective issues. Similarly at the High- The Prime Minister with the UN Secretary-General level Open Debate on Reform of UN Peacekeeping organized by the UN Security During the meeting, the Secretary-General Council on 20 September, the DPM/FM congratulated on completing local body reiterated the commitment of Nepal to support , while also expressing reforms in peace operations, while calling for satisfaction over the latest developments in ensuring the safety and security of the Nepal. He also appreciated Nepal’s peacekeepers. contribution to peacekeeping. The Prime Minister, while congratulating Mr. Guterres on The DPM/FM Mr. Mahara held separate his appointment, reiterated Nepal’s bilateral meetings with his counterparts from commitment to peacekeeping and requested Oman, Norway, Indonesia, and Bahrain on the the United Nations for making best use of sidelines of the General Assembly and Nepal’s Birendra Peace Operations Training discussed various aspects of mutual interests. Centre. He drew the attention of the Secretary- Similarly, he was paid courtesy calls by the General to the need for placing the Least State Minister of the United Kingdom and the Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Acting Deputy Secretary of State of the United Developing Countries (LLDCs) issues at the States. centre of the work of the United Nations. During the Meeting, the Secretary-General The DPM/FM had a meeting with Mr. Achim expressed condolences on the loss of lives and Steiner, UNDP Administrator, and exchanged property caused by recent floods in Nepal. views on UNDP cooperation to socio- economic development of Nepal. He also had Also on the sidelines, the Prime Minister held separate meetings with Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, separate bilateral meetings with the Heads of Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs State/Government of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, of UN, Mr. Atul Khare, Under - Secretary Bhutan, Estonia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. General for Field Support and Mr. Jean-Pierre Matters of common bilateral and international Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for interests figured during those meetings. Peacekeeping Operations, and discussed various matters of Nepal-UN cooperation. Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs (DPM/FM), Krishna The Minister for Women, Children and Social Bahadur Mahara attended various high-level Welfare Ms. Asha Koirala represented Nepal events and held bilateral meetings. The at the Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation DPM/FM signed on the Treaty on the Dialogue (ACD) held on 21 September. Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at a signature Speaking in the meeting, she highlighted the ceremony held at the UN Headquarter on 20 need for enhanced cooperation in Asia to unleash the full potential of the largest

continent for the benefit of Asian countries and Nepal Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara and the for the world at large. The Minister also Minister of Foreign Affairs Cooperation and represented Nepal in the annual meeting of African Integration of Niger, Mr. Ibrahim LDCs on 23 September where she stressed on Yacoubou signed the Memorandum to this the need to implement the Vienna Programme effect at the Permanent Mission of Nepal in of Action in synergy with the 2030 Agenda for New York. With this the number of countries Sustainable Development, adding that with which Nepal has established diplomatic countries like Nepal face a resource gap in its relations has now reached 151. implementation. The meeting also included a signing ceremony in which the United Nations and the Republic of Turkey signed the C. Regional Affairs agreements concerning (i) the establishment of the technology bank for LDCs, and (ii) 1. Informal Meeting of the SAARC Council financial and in-kind support for the of Ministers technology bank for LDCs. The Informal Meeting of the SAARC Council 2. Briefing by the Americas-based Heads of of Ministers was held on the sidelines of the nd Missions 72 Session of the UN General Assembly The Americas-based heads of Nepali (UNGA) in New York on 21 September. Diplomatic Missions; Mr. Durga Prasad Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Bhattarai, Ambassador/Permanent Foreign Affairs Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, in his capacity as the Chair of the SAARC Mr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Ambassador of Nepal Council of Ministers, presided over the to the United States, Mr. Tara Prasad Pokharel, meeting. The meeting reviewed progress Ambassador of Nepal to Brazil, Mr. Kali achieved on the implementation of the Prasad Pokharel, Ambassador of Nepal to decisions of the SAARC Council of Ministers Canada; and Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, and its preceding meetings held in in Consul General of Nepal in New York, on 22 March 2016 as well as the progress made on September, briefed the Prime Minister about regional cooperation since the last informal their respective mission's priorities, meeting. The leaders expressed their achievements, constraints, potentials and plans commitment to further strengthening regional for future towards strengthening bilateral and cooperation under SAARC. multilateral relations with respective countries/organizations. The Prime Minister 2. Eighth Meeting of SAARC Technical gave directions to the ministry and the Committee on Women, Youth and missions. He instructed Mission Heads to Children work with high degree of professionalism and The Eighth Meeting of the SAARC Technical dedication for protecting and promoting Committee on Women, Youth and Children national interests of Nepal. The DPM/FM also was held in Islamabad on 30-31 August. The instructed the Mission Heads to work Committee endorsed the Report of the diligently to enhance the image of the country. Regional Consultative Meeting to Review The success story of Nepal’s peace process and Achievements and Progress on SAARC conflict management is the the unique and Regional Strategic Framework for Protection, home-grown asset of Nepal, he added. Foreign Care and Support of Children Affected by HIV Secretary and other high level officials were and AIDS. The meeting also deliberated the also present on the briefing session. matters relating to:

3. Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (i) Finalization of SAARC Youth Charter Nepal and Niger established diplomatic and Development of SAARC Youth relations on September 20. The Deputy Prime Action Plan. Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of (ii) SAARC Youth Volunteers’ Programme

(iii) SAARC Youth Camps (iv) Commemoration of the World Youth The meeting was chaired by DPM/FM Mr. Skills Day and Krishna Bahadur Mahara and attended by (v) Social Protection for the elderly, Ministers of Foreign/External Affairs of women, children, differently-abled Bangladesh, Bhutan, India; State Ministers for persons, unemployed persons, and Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and Myanmar; persons working at hazardous sites. and Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand.

3. Eleventh Meeting of the Governing Board The meeting reviewed the progress made since of the SAC the last Ministerial Meeting held in Nay Pi The Eleventh Meeting of the Governing Board Taw on 03 March 2014. The meeting adopted (GB) of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) the Ministerial Joint Statement, in which was held in Dhaka from 25-27 September. The Ministers agreed to work expeditiously for meeting considered the director's report which early conclusion of BIMSTEC Agreements included, inter alia, the status of related to Trade, Custom, Energy, implementation of the decision taken in the Transportation, Terrorism and Transnational 10th GB Meeting, review of budget and Crimes and Technology. The meeting also program for the year 2017, and proposed stressed on the need of effective budget for the year 2018. The GB also implementation of BIMSTEC Poverty Plan of approved the regular and need-based programs Action and early establishment of different of the Center for the year 2018. BIMSTEC Centers.

4. Fifteenth BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting The Ministerial Meeting endorsed the appointment of Mr. Shahidul Islam as the and Eighteenth Senior Official Meeting second Secretary General of BIMSTEC. The (SOM) Secretary General assumed his duty on 14 September. The meeting welcomed Nepal's offer to host 4th BIMSTEC Summit, 16th Ministerial Meeting and 19th SOM. Nepal also offered to convene Third BIMSTEC Energy Ministers' Meeting and organize Expert Group Meetings on Poverty Alleviation and on Mountain Economy. The President of FNCCI as representative of

The Fifteenth BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting Nepali private sector to the BIMSTEC Business Forum made a brief presentation in The Fifteenth BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting the meeting, highlighting the need for trade was held in Kathmandu on 10-11 August. The and investment promotion for enhanced meeting was inaugurated by the Prime economic cooperation and business–to- Minister of Nepal. In his inaugural address, the business relations in the region. Prime Minister underlined the importance of regional cooperation under BIMSTEC and The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by expressed Nepal's commitment to making Senior Officials Meeting which was chaired by BIMSTEC result-oriented. The visiting Foreign Secretary Mr. Shankar Das Bairagi Foreign/External Affairs Ministers of the and attended by Foreign Secretaries/Senior BIMSTEC Member States also paid a Officials of the Member States. The meeting collective courtesy call on the Prime Minister made important deliberations on the 14 priority and shared their views on enhancing areas of cooperation, finalized the draft effectiveness of BIMSTEC. Ministerial Joint Statement and submitted its

report with recommendations to the Ministerial make six priority pillars more result-oriented. Meeting. The Minister further informed that Nepal, as a co-prime mover is working out to organize events under this pillar and reiterated Nepal's commitment to furthering ACD co-operation.

The Secretary General presented ACD report including the activities completed during 2016-2017. The six prime movers of ACD, namely UAE, Pakistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Thailand presented a progress report on their respective priority pillar of

Senior Officials of BIMSTEC Member States at SOM cooperation under ACD.

5. Track 1.5 Security Dialogue Forum The meeting welcomed Iran's offer to convene the 16th ACD Ministerial Meeting and 3rd ACD First Track 1.5 BIMSTEC Security Dialogue Summit. ACD Chair was also handed over Forum was held in New Delhi, India on 22 from UAE to Iran for the year 2017-2018. September. The Forum held discussions on counter terrorism and cooperation in transnational crimes, violent extremism and D. Passport and Consular Matters radicalization, maritime security cooperation, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief 1. Passport Services (HADR), cyber security, co-operation in space and space technology and non-traditional 1.1 Discussion on Draft Passport Act security challenges. The Department of Passports held an intensive discussion on the proposed draft of Passport The Nepali delegation led by Joint Secretary of Act, 2074 on 30th August. Foreign Secretary Ministry of Defense made a presentation on Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Spokesperson/Joint "Promoting Regional Development for Peace", Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Poudyal and other highlighting the importance of working joint secretaries from the Ministry; and Mr. together for regional development to achieve Gahendra Rajbhandari, Director General of the sustainable peace in the region. DIGs of Nepal Department of Consular Services were present Police and APF and Director of National on that occasion. The discussion led the Investigation Department were the members of finalization of the Draft Passport Act, the Nepali delegation. following the exhaustive discussion and modification. The draft is subsequently 6. ACD Foreign Ministers' Informal forwarded to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Meeting Parliamentary Affairs for the consent. Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New York on 1.2 Service Delivery 21 September on the sidelines of the 72nd The status of service delivery of the Session of the UNGA. The Nepali delegation Department is presented in the following table. was led by Ms. Asha Koirala, Minister for S.N Activities Number Remarks Women, Children and Social Welfare. 1 E-mails responded 331 In her statement, Minister underlined the 2 Grievance handled 2921 importance of intra-regional connectivity, Except the forms energy cooperation, investment and Applications received collected technological cooperation for shared prosperity 3 (including from 92583 from live- District and Mission) in the region. She also highlighted the need for enrollment collective efforts in achieving SDGs and to counter

Passports dispatched Correspondence to the 4 (including to District 82467 concerned authorities of Nepal and Mission) regarding the citizenship 5 Total number of 90157 8 renouncement of Nepalese 39 passports issued citizens as per their application Lost passports submitted to the Nepalese 6 registered in the 3799 Interpol missions abroad Correspondence letter regarding 7 Official Error 349 9 authenticity of Power of 138 8 Null and Void 21 Attorney issued by Nepalese passports missions abroad 9 Travel document 12 issued Correspondence to the concerned authorities of Nepal 10 Diplomatic Passports 92 issued 10 regarding authenticity of 16 documents issued by the 11 Official Passports 296 issued Government of Nepal 12 Gratis Passports 2777 POA, VOR, H-Form Request Issued (Malaysia), and correspondence 13 Feedback Forms 696 11 to the District Administration 56 Collected Office for compensation to 14 Revenue Collected Rs. 33,59,22,000/- Nepalese citizens died abroad. Correspondence concerning 2. Consular Services 12 search and rescue of Nepalese 116 The issue-wise details of the services delivery nationals to the Nepalese of the Department of Consular Services during Missions abroad August -September are as follows: Correspondence with regards to 13 repatriation of dead body of 51 S.N Details of Services Number Nepalese nationals abroad Consular and Legal A 14 Correspondence to the 82 Counseling Section government agencies in Nepal Recommendation for Medical Number of draft received for 1 treatment, Religious tour, 10 15 the compensation from 14 World cycling tour and other Malaysia. Recommendation for Indian Handover of compensation 16 amount from Malaysia to the 14 2 education certificate, nationality 272 verification and those who are concerned family Visa and Exemption Section visiting India for study purpose B Recommendation for Indian 3 2 Issuance of pension 1 432 Recommendation for issuing diplomatic/official/gratis visa Issuance of diplomatic/official 4 Nepalese driving license on the 578 2 116 basis of foreign driving license ID Card Issuance of SAARC Visa held by the Nepalese citizen. 3 41 Recommendation letter to stickers Number of recommendation for Indian Embassy for character 4 606 5 verification report to Nepalese 49 exemption citizens during their period of Number of visa stay in India. 5 recommendation to the foreign 406 Recommendation for missions on GON's nominations Attestation section 6 procurement of chemicals & 7 C explosives Recommendation letter to 1 Number of attested documents 36102 7 Indian Embassy for issuing 4 Total 39151 vehicle permit for vehicles to enter India.