Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba Engages in High-Level Diplomatic Talks at UNGA

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, held significant diplomatic meetings on Wednesday, engaging with top United Nations officials and international leaders on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In a key meeting with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Dr. Rana Deuba highlighted Nepal’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping missions. She emphasized Nepal’s commitment to global peace, advocating for the appointment of Nepali military officers to high-ranking positions within the UN peacekeeping operations. According to the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN, she underscored that Nepal’s dedication and track record in peace missions across conflict-affected regions make the country a strong candidate for leadership roles in UN peacekeeping.

Later that day, Dr. Rana Deuba met with Rabab Fatima, the United Nations High Representative for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Their discussions centered on shared concerns, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate change initiatives. As Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries, Nepal, represented by Dr. Rana Deuba, expressed its commitment to advancing the collective interests of LDCs on the global stage.

In a diplomatic development, Foreign Minister Rana Deuba and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić signed a bilateral agreement exempting visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and government passports between Nepal and Serbia. This agreement is expected to strengthen diplomatic exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, Dr. Rana Deuba met with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations between Nepal and Spain. The two countries established diplomatic ties on May 13, 1968, and the meeting marked an important step in further strengthening mutual relations in various sectors.

These meetings are part of Nepal’s broader diplomatic efforts at the UNGA to advance its global standing, advocate for climate justice, and ensure that the country continues to play a pivotal role in international peacekeeping and development initiatives.