Nepal, Canada foreign ministers discuss strengthening bilateral ties, investment opportunities

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, met with her Canadian counterpart, Mélanie Joly, and held a bilateral discussion in Ottawa, Canada, on Wednesday. 

The meeting focused on various aspects of Nepal-Canada relations, mutual interests, and the promotion of investment and partnerships.

According to a press release from the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa, Minister Rana expressed appreciation for Canada's support in Nepal's democratic process and the drafting of its current constitution. She highlighted the recent endorsement of transitional justice laws by Nepal's parliament, which will aid in concluding the peace process.

Minister Rana thanked Canada for its assistance during Nepal's challenging periods, including the earthquake and the Covd 19 pandemic, and for its contributions to the country's socio-economic progress. She urged Canada to establish an embassy in Nepal, emphasising the strategic benefits for Canada in having a presence in a democratic nation situated between two major Asian countries: China and India.

Minister Rana also called for increased trade and investment from Canada, stating that Nepal, a least developed country set to graduate to developing country status by 2026, benefits from duty-free access to Canadian markets. She encouraged Canadian investment in Nepal's water resources sector, leveraging Canada's expertise in this field.

The ministers acknowledged shared views on several international issues and cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions and achieving climate change and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Minister Rana noted that 2,554 Nepali women peacekeepers have served in conflict zones worldwide, with 608 currently active in UN missions. She extended an invitation to Minister Joly to visit Nepal.

The two ministers agreed to hold bilateral talks in Kathmandu this December, aiming to establish a bilateral understanding on tourism and education. They also agreed to collaborate on Canada's 'feminist foreign policy' and continue Canada's support for women's empowerment in Nepal.

Minister Joly conveyed Canada's readiness to assist Nepal through the Canadian Pension Fund and responded positively to the proposal of opening a Canadian embassy in Nepal.

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