Saud seeks enhanced level of support from US
Nepal has sought an enhanced level of support from the United States in the areas of trade and investment, market access for Nepali goods, food security and information technology sector.
In a meeting with US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken on Monday, Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, requested the United States for reauthorisation and expansion of Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP) and General System of Preference (GSP) facilities by adding new exportable items of interest for Nepal, informed the Embassy of Nepal in Washington in a statement.
Secretary Blinken also expressed the United
States condolences for the loss of Nepali students’ lives in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, and concern for Bipin Joshi, who remains missing.
The two ministers exchanged views on matters of common interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concerns, informed the Embassy of Nepal.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the development priorities of Nepal in the context of the country’s graduation from the least developed country to a developing one. Nepal is seeking support from developed nations including the USA, the European Union and others in making the transition from the LDC smooth.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the current state of bilateral relations between Nepal and the USA while renewing their commitment to expand and deepen engagements across the areas of mutual interests.
They also stressed the importance of timely implementation of the projects under the MCC. Appreciating Nepal’s progress in consolidating democratic governance, Secretary Blinken expressed that the US Government wishes to see Nepal as a strong and prosperous democracy. Secretary Blinken assured Foreign Minister Saud that the US would continue its support to Nepal’s development endeavours.
During the bilateral meeting, Minister
Saud was accompanied by Ambassador Sridhar Khatri and other senior officials from the Ministry and the Embassy. Secretary Blinken was accompanied by US Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson and senior officials from the Department of State. Later in the evening, Ambassador Sridhar Khatri hosted a reception at his residence in honour of the Foreign Minister in the presence of senior officials from various US agencies including the White House, Department of State, USAID, and MCC, as well as members of diplomatic corps, and representatives of Nepali American community. The Foreign Minister had reached Washington DC for the bilateral visit on Monday morning.