Bilateral Meeting Between Qatar’s Emir and Nepal’s Prime Minister, Signing of Agreements Awaited

Today, amidst Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s official visit to Nepal, a crucial meeting is set to take place between the Emir and Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.

Scheduled to commence after 10 am at Hotel Solti, where Emir Thani is currently lodged, the meeting holds significant diplomatic importance. Following the meeting, both parties are expected to sign a bilateral agreement and memorandum of understanding (MoU).

According to Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal and Qatar are poised to ink six MoUs. These agreements are anticipated to cover a spectrum of areas, including the exchange of training and cooperation concerning government news agencies, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Institute of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, programs related to education and cultural exchange are on the agenda.

However, one notable item missing from today’s signing ceremony is the agreement regarding Nepal’s gift of an elephant to Qatar. Rai clarified that while Prime Minister Dahal Prachanda will announce the intention to gift the elephant, the formal agreement will not be signed today. The delay is attributed to the completion of the international treaty process (SITIS) required by both nations.

“The Prime Minister will announce that the elephant will be given as a gift, but the agreement will not be signed, because the process of the international treaty (SITIS) has yet to be completed by both sides,” stated Rai.

Following the proceedings at Hotel Solti, the Qatari delegation, led by the Emir, will partake in a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Dahal Prachanda at Hotel Dwarika. Subsequently, the Qatari team is slated to depart from Nepal later this afternoon.

Emir Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Kathmandu commenced on Tuesday, following an invitation extended by President Ramchandra Paudel. The two-day state visit saw Emir Thani engaging in discussions with President Paudel and attending a dinner reception at Shital Niwas.

In honor of the King of Qatar’s historic visit to Nepal, the government declared a nationwide public holiday on Tuesday, underscoring the significance of strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.