Foreign Minister Rana meets US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bass in New York

KATHMANDU, Sept 25: Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, who is attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly, met with John Bass, the US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, in New York.

During their meeting, both sides expressed optimism that high-level engagements would further strengthen the decades-long cooperation between Nepal and the US. Minister Rana emphasized the importance of the US as a partner in Nepal's economic, developmental, and business sectors.

They discussed the 77-year-long friendly and cooperative relationship between the two nations, focusing on shared values such as democracy, human rights, and freedom, according to the Nepali Mission.

Minister Rana highlighted how past exchanges of visits between the two countries have played crucial roles in strengthening bilateral ties. She also thanked the US government for its support in Nepal’s economic and social development.

Recalling last year’s agreement to invest $659 million in Nepal from 2022 to 2027 to improve education, Minister Rana expressed her hopes for continued assistance. Additionally, she welcomed the conclusion of the seventh Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting held in Kathmandu.

Finally, she underscored Nepal’s plan to graduate from an underdeveloped to a middle-income country by 2026, calling for continued US support in achieving this historic milestone.