Kathmandu, Aug 27 (RSS):
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel at the latter’s Office in Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas today.
During the meeting, President Paudel mentioned that establishing an embassy of Oman in Kathmandu would be suitable for both countries considering the increasing number of Nepalis working in Oman. He also expressed the opinion that direct air connectivity between the two countries would help facilitate trade, promote tourism and enhance relations at the people-to-people level, according to President’s Press Adviser Kiran Pokharel.
On the occasion, Visiting Foreign Minister Albusaidi responded that his government was positive about opening Oman’s Embassy in Nepal and establishing direct air links between the two countries. “We highly value the contribution of the calm, gentle and hard-working Nepalis to the development of Oman.”
Foreign Minister Albusaidi arrived here on Monday on a two-day official visit to Nepal.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Rana and her Omani counterpart hold bilateral meeting
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, and her visiting Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi held a bilateral meeting today.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on matters relating to Nepal-Oman bilateral interests, common concerns and the strengthening of bilateral relations, according to the Ministry.
They touched on issues relating to air connectivity, labor issues, investment, tourism, diplomatic exchanges, all sorts of bilateral cooperation and collaboration and so on.
Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Nepal’s Ambassador for Oman, Dornath Aryal and the Omani officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there were present in the meeting.
Minister Dr Rana called on Oman to operate the Nepal’s international airports based in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, reminding of the closure of the flights at Bhairahawa following a brief operation. She said the government has decided to ensure more facilities for international airlines providing services in Nepal. In response, her counterpart said the Government of Oman will consider the matter.
Likewise, Nepal raised the topics of the rights and welfare of Nepali workers and additional labour destinations. The Nepali side raised this topic, stating that Oman could become a promising labour destination for Nepali workers as Oman has better labour laws and other environment.
The Omani side stated that the Nepali workers were honest and conscientious and so Oman will hire additional Nepali workers based on requirement.
An agreement has been reached according to which the two countries will move ahead signing a labour agreement on this topic.
Foreign Minister Rana mentioned about the immense possibilities of tourism in Nepal due to its natural beauty, the Himalayan peaks over 8,000 metres high including the Sagarmatha and the various heritage sites enlisted in the list of World Heritage Sites.
She urged the Omani investors to invest in Nepal in various sectors including in tourism. “There are many areas for possible investment in Nepal. Therefore, I urge, through the Foreign Minister, the Government of Oman and the investors there to invest in Nepal,” she added.
Talking briefly to journalists after the bilateral meeting with the Omani Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Rana said talks were held on further deepening the relations between Nepal and Oman. She informed that preparations have been made on the two countries reaching agreement soon on labour, health, tourism and foreign affairs.
Minister Dr Rana also said that Oman was willing to invest in the priority sectors in tourism in Nepal.
According to her, they reviewed overall aspects of Nepal-Oman relations including matters relating to labour and employment, tourism, trade, air connectivity, investment, among others.
Omani FM Albusaidi returns home
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi left here today after completing a two-day official visit to Nepal.
Foreign Minister Albusaidi had arrived here Monday on the official visit at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arju Rana Deuba.
During the visit, a bilateral meeting was held between Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Rana and Foreign Minister Albusaidi, where matters related to various issues of bilateral interest, expansion of relations and common interests of Nepal and Oman were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Air connectivity, labor related issues, investment, tourism, diplomatic exchange and other forms of cooperation and coordination were also discussed between the two foreign ministers.
During his stay in Kathmandu, Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi also called on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal saw off Minister Albusaidi at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
RSS
