President Paudel, Emir of Qatar talk about climate change impacts and deepening Nepal-Qatar ties

KATHMANDU:  President Ramchandra Paudel has called on Qatar to deepen cooperation between Nepal and Qatar on issues of mutual interest, such as mitigating the impacts of climate change, protecting the Himalayas, preserving water sources, and maintaining environmental balance. 

President Paudel made these remarks during a meeting with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Office of the President in Shital Niwas earlier today.

The Emir of the State of Qatar arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday afternoon for a two-day state visit to Nepal at the invitation of President Paudel. 

"The common challenge of today's world is saving the earth from climate change, protecting our Himalayas, preserving the source of water, and maintaining environmental balance. Cooperation from all is imperative in these areas. This is an issue of human existence. I believe that developing countries should be particularly serious about such issues," President Paudel was quoted as saying by his press advisor, Kiran Pokharel.

The President also expressed concern about the conflict in the Middle East, according to Pokharel. 

Furthermore, President Paudel praised the role played by Qatar in peacebuilding and expressed his hope for an end to the war and the restoration of peace in the Middle East.

On the occasion, the Emir of the State of Qatar, Al Thani, said the entire world is suffering from the impacts of climate change, and positive results will come, and a good environment will be created if everyone abides by the international agreements on climate change. 

He also expressed confidence that his visit would be fruitful in exploring new areas of cooperation and further deepening Nepal-Qatar relations.

Moreover, the Emir of Qatar praised and expressed appreciation for Nepali migrant workers, stating that they have made significant contributions to the development of Qatar.

The Emir of Qatar suggested that new possibilities could be explored for investments in water resources, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors in Nepal. 

On the occasion, President Paudel also expressed confidence that the agreement and memorandum of understanding to be reached on Wednesday would unlock new potentials for investment in areas such as water resources, agriculture, and tourism in Nepal. 

Noting that Nepal and Qatar have always enjoyed cordial bilateral relations, President Paudel clarified that the relations between Nepal and Qatar are bound by a sense of friendship, mutual respect, trust, and goodwill. 

He further stated that there has been a tradition of exchange of high-level visits between the two countries, which he claimed had played a significant role in expanding bilateral relations. 

The historical visit has taken Nepal-Qatar relations to a new height, he further said. 

Noting that Nepal has moved towards the journey of economic development and prosperity now with the agendas of political transformation reaching a conclusion of late, he expressed his belief that there would be continuous support from Qatar to Nepal's efforts towards attaining development and prosperity. 

The President further expressed his hope that bilateral cooperation and collaboration will be further deepened in the coming days in the context when there are arrays of potential for partnership in trade, tourism, and investment areas. 

Qatar has been a prime and attractive destination for foreign employment for Nepali workers, and the Nepali workforce has also substantially contributed to the making of modern Qatar, he recalled. 

Expressing happiness over the sustainable development and prosperity of Qatar under the visionary leadership of the Emir, President Paudel lauded his far-reaching thinking and unwavering commitment to making Qatar a highly developed nation. 

On the occasion, the visiting dignitary also signed the visitors' book placed at the Office of the President.

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