Nepal’s President, Ram Chandra Poudel, has reached out to Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for assistance in securing the safe release of a Nepali student held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
This plea came during a meeting between the two leaders at Shital Niwas, where they discussed bilateral interests and diplomatic relations.
The student in question, Bipin Joshi, was among a group of Nepali students studying agriculture in Israel under a learn and earn program. During an attack by Hamas last October, Joshi was abducted and taken to Gaza. Sadly, 10 Nepalese students lost their lives, and six were injured during the same incident.
President Poudel’s request for assistance was met with assurance from Sheikh Tamim, who pledged to take necessary steps to secure Joshi’s release. Qatar, being a key player in the region, has previously taken initiatives for similar humanitarian causes.
Additionally, the leaders also addressed concerns regarding the conditions of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar. With approximately 400,000 Nepali workers in Qatar, mainly in construction and manual labor, ensuring their safety and well-being is of paramount importance.
The meeting between President Poudel and Sheikh Tamim highlighted the strong and friendly relations between Nepal and Qatar. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their respective countries and peoples.
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, along with other officials, were present at the meeting, indicating the significance of the discussions held.
The visit of Sheikh Tamim to Nepal marks a milestone, as he becomes the first Arab leader to visit the country. This visit underscores the depth of relations between Nepal and Qatar, as well as Qatar’s appreciation for Nepal’s warm reception and hospitality.
During the visit, eight agreements were signed between the two nations, covering various sectors including education, legal cooperation, and youth and sports. These agreements aim to strengthen bilateral ties and pave the way for further collaboration.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ hosted a luncheon in honor of Sheikh Tamim, attended by dignitaries from both sides. The Emir’s departure marked the conclusion of his two-day visit to Nepal, during which he was conferred the highest honor by the Nepali government.
Overall, Sheikh Tamim’s visit symbolizes the mutual desire of Nepal and Qatar to deepen their cooperation across multiple fronts, from economic relations to people-to-people exchanges.
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