UN Secretary-General's visit expected to enhance Nepal's ties with int'l community: PM Prachanda

Kathmandu, Oct 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's four-day official trip to Nepal would contribute to further strengthening Nepal's relations with the United Nations and the international community.     

Talking to the media following his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers this afternoon, the Prime Minister said the visit would play a crucial role in further consolidating Nepal's ties with the international community.     

As the government head said, the meeting with the UN Secretary-General primarily revolved around Nepal's ongoing peace process, Nepal's graduation to a middle-income developing country, and other pressing issues of the hour such as climate change and sustainable development. "We discussed various matters of bilateral interest and national and international concerns in a very cordial atmosphere," the Prime Minister said, adding that they primarily focused on the issues of climate change.     

During the high-level meeting, the Prime Minister applauded the role of Guterres as the UN Secretary-General in mitigating the climate change impact. Nepal anticipated further bilateral and multi-lateral support from the UN and other international agencies in its efforts to address climate change, according to PM Prachanda. He also assured the UN Secretary-General that Nepal's peace process would reach to a conclusion soon, expecting the role on the part of Guterres towards that end.     

The meeting also delved into Nepal's economic development and prosperity, with Prachanda urging the UN Secretary-General to facilitate Nepal's transition to a developing nation and assist in achieving sustainable development goals.     

According to the Prime Minister, the meeting was highly positive. "The UN Secretary-General is well aware of Nepal's political dynamics and peace process. He also acknowledged Nepal's contributions to world peacekeeping missions. We also sought recognition in regard to our involvement towards that end."     

The Prime Minister is hosting a cultural function followed by a dinner in honour of the UN Secretary-General this evening.     

During the trip concluding on November 1, the UN Secretary-General is scheduled to visit Namche in Solukhumbu, Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp and Lumbini as well. (RSS)