Saudi Ambassador calls on Vice President Yadav

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 2: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav held a courtesy meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Fahd Mohammad Ajmi Mnikhr, at the Vice President’s Office in Lainchaur on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Vice President Yadav congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure, according to a press statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Wednesday.

He said that diplomatic relations between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, established in March 1977, have been based on friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation.

Highlighting the need to further strengthen bilateral ties, Yadav stressed the importance of high-level exchanges. He recalled the recent visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to Nepal, as well as visits by Nepal’s Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security to Saudi Arabia.

Stating that Saudi Arabia remains a major destination for Nepali migrant workers, Vice President Yadav expressed confidence in the Saudi government’s support for protecting their rights.

He said the bilateral labour agreement signed on January 25, 2026, would play a key role in strengthening labour cooperation.

Yadav also said Nepal’s goal was to graduate from the least developed country category by 2026 and become a middle-income country by 2030. He expressed hope for investment and cooperation from Saudi Arabia and other friendly nations in sectors such as infrastructure, information technology, energy, tourism, mining and agriculture.

On tourism, he said Nepal’s natural beauty, culture and the hospitality of its people could make it an attractive destination for Saudi visitors. He also thanked the Saudi government for its support in facilitating Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for Nepali Muslims.

Vice President Yadav said Nepal-Saudi Arabia relations have been further strengthened through cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. He also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

Ambassador Ajmi Mnikhr said Saudi Arabia is keen to collaborate with Nepal in various sectors for its development. He highlighted strong potential for cooperation, particularly in the economic sector, and expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure.