Foreign Minister holds telephonic conversation with Iranian counterpart for Bipin's release

Kathmandu, Feb 7: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has held a telephone conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to take the initiative for Joshi's release. 

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the topic of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.    

Hamas has started releasing people under its captivity after the ceasefire between it and the Israeli government. The government has continued with the diplomatic initiatives for the safe release of Joshi from Hamas' confinement.    

In this connection, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister last week, urging support for Joshi's release.    

Minister Dr Deuba has been requesting Qatar and Egypt which had been mediating with Hamas for peace talks ever since efforts were made for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas for taking special initiative for Joshi's release. 

Minister Dr Deuba held a telephone conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister some weeks back on this topic. Similarly, the Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Prof Dr Dhana Prasad Pandit, also in a telephonic conversation with the Israeli President some days back, had urged for Joshi's release.    

The government has continued the diplomatic initiatives for securing Joshi's release since last year. Minister Dr Deuba has been making diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings. (RSS)