Kathmandu, Feb 16: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba met with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi, on Sunday on the sidelines of the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral interest and mutual benefits between Nepal and Qatar, including scholarships for Nepali students and skilled technical manpower in Qatar. On the occasion, Dr Rana requested Minister Muraikhi for his assistances in the safe release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi believed to have been taken captive by Hamas.
She praised Qatar’s role in mediating ceasefire and peace talks between Israel and Hamas, and expressed the hope that Qatar could play a crucial role in securing Joshi’s release.
Her request follows the ongoing process of captive release after the ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas.
As part of her continued diplomatic efforts, Dr Rana earlier held a telephonic conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, the key mediator in the peace talks, requesting Qatar’s assistances for securing Joshi’s freedom.
Joshi was among those who were kidnapped during Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the killing of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalese people.
Since then, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Joshi’s release. Dr Rana has continuously raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for Joshi’s safe release. #bipin #nepal #arzu
