Amir's visit has raised high hopes: Ambassador Dhakal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 27: Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar, Dr. Naresh Bikram Dhakal, highlighted the significance of the recent visit of the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing high hopes about securing the release of Bipin Joshi, who is believed to be in Hamas captivity, through the much-anticipated coordinating role of Qatar.

Talking to The Rising Nepal Daily on Friday, Ambassador Dr. Dhakal said, “We had previously submitted a written request for the release of Bipin, emphasising his distinct identity, through the Foreign Ministry." 

This request was made even before Amir visited Nepal, following discussions at the Doha Forum, a United Nations programme where the former Foreign Minister of Nepal, NP Saud, led the delegation. 

“We managed to arrange a sideline meeting at the ministerial level meeting during the forum, where Foreign Minister Saud also raised the issue of Bipin. We are actively engaged in efforts to secure Bipin's release,” he said.

Speaking about the Amir’s visit to Nepal, he said, “The Amir has acknowledged Nepal's concerns with due importance.” He also emphasized that Nepal has succeeded in making history due to this visit. “This is the first Nepal visit by the head of the State of Qatar strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations.”

The state visit was paid at the invitation of President Ramchandra Paudel, which is highly valued by the State of Qatar.

Ambassador Dhakal said that Amir's visit has inspired Heads of State from other Arab nations to consider visiting Nepal. This visit has significantly altered the perception of people from other countries toward Nepalis working in Qatar. 

Ambassador Dhakal said that as Nepalis are hardworking and sincere, the attitude of the people of Qatar about Nepal and Nepalis is positive.

During the meeting of visiting Amir with President Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Ambassador Dhakal informed that it was agreed to take initiatives to go forward with the possibility of investment in Nepal to help the prosperity of the country in the coming days. 

"There is the big potential of investment in Nepal in the sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, tourism and airport. There is an understanding to go forward in this direction to derive long term benefits out of them," Ambassador Dhakal said. 

During his visit of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Ambassador Dhakal observed the historical photo exhibition being held in the Corporation to mark the 124th year of the publication of Gorkhapatra.  

(Interview with Dhakal will be published on Sunday.)