Minister Rana urges Canada to establish embassy in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Sept 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has urged the Canadian government to establish an embassy in Nepal. She made this request during a bilateral meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on Wednesday in Ottawa, Canada.

“The number of Nepali students going to Canada for studies has been increasing day by day, and the number of Canadian tourists visiting Nepal is also on the rise,” she said. “Similarly, researchers, businesspersons, and other citizens from various sectors of both countries are increasingly exchanging visits. Therefore, it would be appropriate for Canada to establish an embassy in Nepal, and I would like to make this request.”

Minister Rana also emphasized the need for Canada to consider establishing its embassy in a democratic country like Nepal, situated between two large Asian nations, during her discussion with Foreign Minister Joly.

The meeting covered various aspects of Nepal-Canada relations, mutual interests, and concerns, as well as topics such as economic investment and partnership.

During the conversation, both ministers highlighted the cordial relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. Nepal and Canada will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship next year.

Minister Rana also appreciated Canada's support in Nepal's democratic process and the drafting of the current Constitution.

She informed that Nepal's parliament recently passed the transitional justice law, which will help complete the remaining tasks of the peace process.

On that occasion, Minister Rana recalled Canada's long-standing economic aid and development support to Nepal in various sectors under different titles.

Currently, Minister Rana is in Canada on a visit at the invitation of Canadian Minister Joly. She is scheduled to attend the Meeting of Women Foreign Ministers, which will be held on 19-20 September in Toronto. She had left for Canada on Monday evening.