The inauguration of the new office premises of the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal took place on March 18 in the presence of the Vice President of Nepal, Nanda Bahadur Pun, the Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni, and the EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronica Cody. It was also attended by Nepali government representatives and EU Member State Ambassadors.
Inaugurating the new premises, Pampaloni said “The EU and Nepal have been partners in development cooperation ever since bilateral relations began in 1973. Last year, in 2018, we marked 45 years of our friendship. The role of the EU Delegation to Nepal has been vital in advancing these relations over the years. The purchase of the new Delegation premises is a testimony to the European Union’s commitment to remain engaged in and with Nepal, and indeed over the long term to strengthen this partnership.”
The EU, with its Member States, is the largest development donor in Nepal. In the period 2014-2020 the EU tripled its assistance to Nepal from € 120 million to € 360 million. This financial assistance has been focused on rural development, education, governance and reconstruction. The European Union stands ready to support the Government of Nepal on its journey toward graduation from LDC status by 2022, and beyond. Further opportunities for cooperation in the areas of common interest are being explored, particularly in the context of preparing for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework for development covering the period of 2021-2027.
