Minister Rana discusses Bipin’s release with Iranian counterpart

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 18: Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba met with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Sayyid Abbas Araghchi, in Muscat, Oman, on Monday.

Minister Dr. Rana, who is now in Muscat to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, held discussions with Foreign Minister Araghchi. 

During the meeting, they covered issues related to Nepal-Iran relations and mutual interests. She also took the opportunity to request Iran's assistance in securing the release of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, who is being held by the Hamas group.

Minister Rana had previously spoken with Minister Araghchi by phone, urging him to take diplomatic measures to secure Bipin’s release, who was abducted by Hamas in October 2023.

In the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi assured Rana that he would prioritise the issue of Bipin’s release. He committed to taking all necessary steps to facilitate Bipin’s freedom from Hamas.

The Government of Nepal has been actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure Bipin's release. On Sunday, Minister Rana made a formal appeal to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar on the matter.

Nepal's diplomatic efforts to free Bipin have been ongoing since last year, with Minister Rana engaging with the United Nations, as well as international and regional forums, to bring attention to the issue.