Nepal-France meet discusses bilateral cooperation

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 18: The third meeting of Nepal-France Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held  on Tuesday in the Capital discussed ways and means to enhance bilateral trade and investment, transfer of technology and tourism for mutual benefit. 

The meeting also talked about the measures for economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, and ever-increasing people-to-people contacts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement. 

The meeting adopted Nepal-France Green Roadmap which emphasises on the importance of developing renewable energy projects, investing in low-carbon and resilient infrastructure. According to the MoFA, it also gives priority to protecting forests, acting to prevent natural disasters and incorporating climate change adaptation into national, local and sectoral planning documents. 

The two sides reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations. Nepali side shared about the country’s graduation from the LDC status in 2026 and the preparation of transition strategy and requested for the continuation of support measures provided by France as well as the European Union in terms of market access and development cooperation.  

The meeting was led by the Joint Secretary at the MoFA, Sewa Lamsal and Director for Asia and Oceania at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Bertrand Lortholary. 

Nepali delegation included the officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Forest and Environment as well as Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation while the French delegation included the Ambassador of France in Kathmandu and other officials.

A wide range of matters relating to bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting. It also discussed possible cooperation in mutually beneficial areas at multilateral level, said MoFA.