Kathmandu, July 15: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal held a virtual meeting on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence, Dan Jarvis MBE MP, to discuss the longstanding grievances of British Gurkha veterans.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed unresolved issues concerning former British Gurkhas and the need to find a mutually acceptable solution.
During the meeting, Minister Khanal highlighted the historic contribution of British Gurkhas to Nepal–UK relations and stressed the importance of resolving their longstanding demands at the earliest opportunity.
He urged the British Government to address the concerns of British Gurkhas with due recognition of their service, sacrifice and contribution to the British Army.
Minister Khanal also reaffirmed the Government of Nepal’s commitment to playing a constructive and collaborative role in facilitating a resolution to the issue.
In response, Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis described the British Gurkhas as an integral part of the British Army and said resolving the outstanding issues affecting Gurkha veterans remains a priority for the UK Government.
The virtual meeting was attended by Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Chief of the Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other senior ministry officials.According to the ministry, the meeting was coordinated and facilitated by the British Embassy in Kathmandu. #nepal
