KATHMANDU, Sept 25: President Bidya Devi Bhandari held a telephone conversation with her Swiss counterpart Simonetta Sommaruga on Thursday evening.
During the conversation, the two Presidents expressed satisfaction on the overall state of bilateral relations. Views were also exchanged on the measures taken in their respective countries to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They expressed solidarity and sympathies to each other on the loss suffered by both the countries, the ministry said.
Recalling the friendly and cooperative relations the two countries have been enjoying, President Bhandari thanked Switzerland for providing cooperation at this difficult hour.
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She shared the achievements made by Nepal in various social sectors; issues relating to the safety and security of migrant workers, especially that of women; and the plan of rehabilitation of the returnee migrants by engaging them in productive sectors.
On her part, President Sommaruga mentioned about the importance of safer migration in view of difficulties faced by migrant population during the pandemic. She stated that the Swiss Government is ready to provide necessary cooperation to Nepal in this sector.
Both Nepal and Switzerland are mountainous countries, have strong commitment to environmental protection, and suffer the brunt of the climate change. In this context, the Presidents discussed the importance of effective climate action, including through appropriate adaptation plans, the ministry said.
President Sommaruga highlighted the Swiss collaboration with ICIMOD in this region. She extended an invitation to the President of Nepal to participate in the Mountain Alpine Convention to be held next year in Switzerland, according to the ministry.
While appreciating the initiative for the Convention, President Bhandari renewed her invitation to the Swiss Presidency to Sagarmatha Sambaad, which was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be convened when the situation becomes normal.
The Presidents expressed hope that the two Governments will continue to work closely at both bilateral and multilateral levels on matters of common interests, the ministry added.
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