KATHMANDU, Feb 4: Prince Edward of the UK paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Poudel at his office, Sheetal Niwas, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, President Paudel discussed the issue of climate change with the visiting prince and emphasized the need for collective efforts to tackle the issue.
"Climate change has become the world's main concern today. Nepal, which has been directly affected by climate change, has been raising the issue of mountain conservation prominently at various international forums," President Paudel's press advisor, Kiran Pokharel, quoted him as saying.
In this context, President Paudel informed Prince Edward that Nepal is set to launch the Sagarmatha Sambaad (dialogue), with its first edition scheduled in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18, focusing on ‘Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.’
President Poudel also highlighted that visits by British royal family members have played a key role in strengthening Nepal-UK relations. He recalled the state visits by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1960 and 1986.
“Nepal and the UK have shared close relations for centuries, and I express my gratitude to the UK, an important development partner, for its support in Nepal’s all-round development,” President Paudel said. He also extended his best wishes to King Charles and the people of the UK.
Prince Edward arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday with his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for an official visit.
During the meeting, Prince Edward expressed his eagerness to learn about Nepal’s climate challenges and mitigation efforts. He said that his visit would provide insights into the vulnerability of nature and the impact of climate change on the Himalayas.
Stating that the British royal family has always valued ties with Nepal, Prince Edward expressed his delight at visiting the country.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for Nepal’s continued approval of British Army recruitment and acknowledged the British Gurkha Army as a cornerstone of Nepal-UK relations.
On the occasion, Major-General Gerald Strickland, chief of the Gurkha Brigade in the British Army, presented the 2024 annual report of the Brigade of Gurkhas to President Poudel.
President Paudel emphasized that the British-Gurkha connection remains a key element of Nepal-UK relations.
"British-Gurkha is an important link in our bilateral relations, contributing significantly to strengthening people-to-people ties," his press advisor Pokharel quoted the president as saying.
He also expressed confidence that positive discussions are underway within the bilateral mechanism formed to address the legitimate grievances of former British Gurkha soldiers.